Sabah is making a big push to tap into the growing halal market.

The Sabah Tourism Board (STB) is backing the upcoming Borneo International Halal Exhibition (BOHEX) to strengthen Sabah’s profile in the Muslim-friendly and MICE (Meetings, Incentives, Conferences, and Exhibitions) sectors.

“This is a huge opportunity for us to showcase Sabah to an international audience,” said STB chairman Datuk Joniston Bangkuai in Kota Kinabalu, on Friday.

The global halal market is projected to reach USD 7.7 trillion by 2025.

In Southeast Asia, Indonesia’s halal economy is valued at USD 303 billion, with Malaysia exporting MYR 54 billion worth of halal goods last year.

Sabah, located within the Brunei, Indonesia, Malaysia, and the Philippines-East ASEAN Growth Area (BIMP-EAGA), wants a bigger slice of the market.

BOHEX, supported by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM), is expected to draw 10,000 visitors.

The exhibition will be held from Feb. 5 to 9 at the Sabah International Convention Centre, featuring exhibitors from Brunei, South Korea, Indonesia, Pakistan, and India.

“This is about more than just food — halal now includes fashion, medical products, and even tourism services,” Bangkuai said.

He urged the organisers to collaborate with the Sabah Convention Bureau to maximise the event’s impact.

BOHEX is organised by Eminent Source Sdn Bhd, a company specialising in halal training and certifications.

Business development director Maiyizat-ul-Najwa Ab. Mutalib said the expo aims to position Sabah as a gateway to Southeast Asia’s halal market. – January 10, 2025.