TAIPEI (Taiwan News) — Malaysia International Halal Showcase (MIHAS) opened on Tuesday (Sept. 17) in Kuala Lumpur, attracting exhibitors from dozens of countries including Japan, Singapore, and Taiwan.

Held at Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Center (MITEC) and hosted by the Malaysian Ministry of Investment, Trade, and Industry, the four-day event is now in its 20th year, per CNA. Over 1,000 exhibitors from 44 countries were invited to spearhead the growth of the halal industry.

Hsiao Chung-wei (蕭崇瑋), a winter melon tea brick seller, said since 2016, they decided to apply for two sets of Halal certifications. The entire factory was almost mobilized for the application process, with factory personnel attending Muslim regulation classes, he explained.

“What can be used, what cannot be used—these are details that non-Muslims must pay attention to,” Hsiao said. “For instance, disinfecting production lines is one such detail, among many others."

Tu Shu-ching (凃淑靜), a tea oil manufacturer, said he believes that Taiwan is committed to pushing quality products to overseas markets. As long as Taiwan obtains Halal certification, it represents a stepping stone to penetrate the vast Muslim food market.

Travel industry expert Steve Eng said more than 60% of Malaysia's population of 34 million are Muslims. Eng added the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) has stringent Halal certification standards, ensuring that Halal foods are free from contamination by forbidden substances.

Since 2016, Taiwan has been promoting its New Southbound Policy with a focus on the Muslim markets in countries such as Malaysia and Indonesia.