Synopsis: The Kingdom expands certified goods as regional partners provide technical expertise and export networks.
Cambodia issued 110 halal certificates covering around 1,000 products in the first nine months of 2026, a 92.98% year-on-year increase, as Malaysia pledged support through technical expertise and market access.
Ministry of Commerce Director of the Department of Halal Affairs Ngoun Sophearum announced the figures yesterday at the Malaysia-Cambodia Halal Forum at Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh.
Sophearum said Cambodia is pursuing a Mutual Recognition Agreement between the Cambodian Halal Steering Committee, chaired by Commerce Minister Cham Nimul, and Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM) to facilitate exports. Cambodia must meet JAKIM criteria before requesting formal recognition.
Recent reforms under Inter-Ministerial Prakas No 070 reduced certification processing from 90 days to 60 working days and extended validity from one to two years, except for slaughterhouses, which remain annually renewed. Businesses may also expand product listings and apply for renewal up to 90 days before expiry.
The ministry is conducting training campaigns across Phnom Penh and five provinces through December.
Malaysian Ambassador to Cambodia Shaharuddin Onn said his nation could aid Cambodia’s integration into the $3.5 trillion global halal market, projected to reach $5 trillion by 2030.
“I believe that together we can collaborate by pairing Cambodia’s ambition with Malaysia’s experience to build a highly competitive regional Halal value chain,” he said.
Ambassador Shaharuddin noted halal cooperation was prioritised during Prime Minister Hun Manet’s Malaysia visit in February 2024. He urged local hospitality firms to align with Muslim dietary standards to boost tourism.
Malaysian Business Chamber in Cambodia President Oknha Tan Khee Meng proposed a “Malaysia + 1” model pairing Malaysian networks with Cambodian agricultural assets like rice, cassava, seafood and livestock.
The forum was jointly organised by the Malaysian Embassy, MATRADE, JAKIM and MBCC.