Sarawak ramps up preparations for international halal showcase in May 2026

KUCHING (Feb 25): Sarawak is ramping up preparations for the Borneo International Halal Showcase Conference and Exhibition (Bihas) 2026, positioning the event as a strategic platform to strengthen the state’s presence in the global halal economy.

Deputy Premier Datuk Amar Awang Tengah Ali Hasan on Tuesday chaired a special meeting with the event organising committee to review the latest developments of the upcoming showcase, which is scheduled to take place at the Waterfront Hotel here from May 8 to 10.

During the meeting, committee members presented detailed programme frameworks and implementation plans, covering key components of the conference, exhibition segments and promotional strategies.

Awang Tengah, who is International Trade, Industry and Investment Minister, said Bihas 2026 must go beyond being a conventional exhibition of halal products and services.

He pointed out that the showcase should also function as a strategic platform to attract investments, expand market access and enhance the competitiveness of Sarawak’s local entrepreneurs.

He also stressed the importance of close coordination among relevant agencies as well as comprehensive logistical preparedness to ensure smooth execution of the programme.

Bihas 2026 is expected to reinforce Sarawak’s aspiration to become a regional hub for halal trade and industry development, while strengthening its standing within the global halal industry.

Also present at the meeting was Deputy Minister in the Premier’s Department (Project Coordination for Regional Development Agencies, DBKU and Islamic Affairs) Datuk Dr Abdul Rahman Junaidi.