Australia is currently in negotiations with Malaysia to establish a strategic partnership aimed at expanding its halal meat export industry. The move is expected to bolster economic ties between the two nations and unlock significant opportunities in both agricultural trade and technology collaboration.
Speaking in Kuala Lumpur following Bernama TV’s “The Nation: Diplomatic Dispatch” programme, Australian High Commissioner to Malaysia, Danielle Heinecke, highlighted the importance of the ongoing discussions. She noted that the outcome will not only reinforce Australia’s comparative strength in agriculture but will also support Malaysia’s ambitions to further develop its halal industry, particularly through agricultural technology.
“There are lots of opportunities, and we hope to finalise the partnership via negotiations that we have been working on for a little while with Malaysia,” said Heinecke. She confirmed that 17 Australian meat exporters are currently certified by Malaysia’s Department of Islamic Development (JAKIM), meeting its rigorous halal standards and actively exporting to the Malaysian market.
In 2023, Australia exported 38,220 tonnes of halal sheep meat and 13,511 tonnes of halal beef and veal to Malaysia. These exports were valued at US$249.26 million and US$120.83 million respectively (US$1 = RM2.75), according to data from the Australian High Commission. Malaysia now stands as Australia’s second-largest red meat export destination in Southeast Asia, trailing only Indonesia in volume.
Further market insights from Meat and Livestock Australia reveal that Malaysians consume the highest amount of beef per capita in ASEAN, with an estimated 8.8kg per person in 2024. This consumption trend underpins the commercial potential of a deepened halal trade relationship.
Heinecke underlined the role of the Malaysia-Australia Free Trade Agreement (MAFTA) in enhancing bilateral trade flows, encompassing goods, services, and investments. Total trade between the two countries reached US$33 billion in the 2023–2024 financial year, solidifying Malaysia’s position as Australia’s second-largest trading partner in ASEAN and 10th-largest globally.
Australia’s economic partnership with Malaysia is described as “mature, comprehensive and complementary,” with longstanding cooperation underpinned by major retail brands such as Aesop, Arnott’s, Blackmores, Boost Juice, Cotton On, Harvey Norman, and King Living operating across Malaysian markets.
During the programme, Heinecke also reiterated Canberra’s commitment to deepening regional economic engagement through targeted trade and investment missions. She confirmed that Australia would be sending a mission to Malaysia aligned with the Energy Asia initiative and examining opportunities within the Johor–Singapore Special Economic Zone.
Australia’s role as the fourth-largest digital technology investor in Malaysia was also highlighted, alongside successful bilateral ventures such as Gentari’s renewable energy developments and Gamuda’s involvement in high-tech transport infrastructure projects in Australia.
Beyond MAFTA, both nations are also active participants in broader multilateral trade frameworks, including the ASEAN–Australia–New Zealand Free Trade Agreement (AANZFTA), the Regional Comprehensive Economic Partnership (RCEP), and the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP).
-Bernama
