KUCHING – The state of Sarawak is redefining its approach to the halal industry, positioning it not merely as a religious certification but as a robust platform for serving the wider global marketplace.
This strategic shift focuses on developing science-driven products that address universal challenges in food security and healthcare, appealing to consumers regardless of their dietary restrictions.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri (Dr) Abang Haji Abdul Rahman Zohari bin Tun Datuk Abang Haji Openg articulated this vision during his keynote address at the Borneo International Halal Showcase (BIHAS) 2026.
Speaking at the Waterfront Hotel on Tuesday, he emphasised that the concept of halal should evolve beyond a niche market label. Instead, it should be viewed as a trusted production ecosystem capable of delivering high-quality goods for all demographics.
The Premier argued that products developed through rigorous halal processes, particularly those that solve pressing global issues, would naturally find acceptance in both halal and non-halal sectors. He suggested that the integrity of the production process serves as a universal marker of quality and safety.
“If the process is halal, the product is halal. If the product can solve human needs, then the market penetration is not only the halal market but also the non-halal market,” Abang Johari stated.
This perspective aligns with changing consumer demands driven by global challenges such as climate change, food insecurity, and evolving healthcare needs.
According to the Premier, these shifts have created significant opportunities for regions that can produce sustainable, high-quality, and trusted products. Sarawak aims to capitalise on this by leveraging its natural resources and scientific capabilities.
A key example of this innovation is the state’s investment in agricultural research, specifically regarding perennial rice. Unlike traditional varieties that require replanting every season, this new crop needs to be planted only once every five years while still producing harvests every eight weeks.
Currently undergoing trials in Kuala Baram, the project aims to strengthen regional food security. Additionally, the rice offers health benefits, including lower starch content, making it an attractive option for health-conscious consumers worldwide.
Beyond agriculture, Sarawak is also making strides in biomedical research. The state is establishing a tropical infectious diseases research centre designed to harness the rich biodiversity of Borneo’s rainforests.
The goal is to identify valuable compounds within the local flora and fauna that can be unlocked through scientific inquiry to develop new medicines for emerging diseases.
“Our biodiversity contains valuable compounds that scientific research can unlock for future healthcare solutions,” the Premier noted, highlighting the potential for Sarawak to contribute significantly to global medical advancements.
These initiatives reflect a broader strategy of combining science, technology, and innovation to create products with genuine global demand. Rather than competing solely within traditional halal markets, Sarawak seeks to lead in sectors where quality and sustainability are paramount.
To support this ambitious agenda, the state government is focusing on human capital development. Abang Johari pointed to the free tertiary education initiative, which prioritises science-based programmes, as a critical component of this strategy.
By equipping young people with the necessary knowledge and technical skills, the state aims to build a workforce capable of driving the next generation of halal industries.
“Our responsibility is to prepare our young people with the knowledge and technology required to create products that benefit humanity,” he said.
The event was attended by senior state officials, including Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Haji Awang Tengah Ali Hasan and Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department Datuk Dr Haji Abdul Rahman bin Haji Junaidi.
Their presence underscored the government’s unified commitment to transforming Sarawak’s economic landscape through innovation and global engagement.
As the halal industry continues to grow globally, Sarawak’s approach offers a distinctive model. By integrating scientific rigor with ethical production standards, the state aims to become a key player in solving global challenges while expanding its economic reach.
This holistic view of the halal ecosystem could set a precedent for other regions looking to leverage their unique assets in the international arena.
