PERMATANG PAUH, July 25, 2026 – Prime Minister Dato’ Seri Anwar Ibrahim today officiated the MADANI Kita Programme in conjunction with the Penang International Halal Expo (PIHEX) 2026 at Politeknik Seberang Perai, underscoring the government’s commitment to inclusive economic growth, the national halal industry and Bumiputera participation in high-value sectors.
The three-day programme, running from 24 to 26 July, serves as a platform to bring government services, initiatives and information directly to the public under one roof, in line with the Malaysia MADANI vision of efficient, inclusive and high-impact service delivery.
During the ceremony, several strategic initiatives were launched to strengthen the country’s halal industry ecosystem. These included the presentation of Malaysia Halal Certification certificates to cottage industry entrepreneurs, the handover of the Action Plan for Bumiputera Talent Development and Start-up Companies in the Semiconductor Industry 2026–2030, the Action Plan for the HALAL MADANI Training Centre (HALTEC), and the exchange of Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) aimed at enhancing the national halal ecosystem. One key MoU involved the development of the KITAB-PERDA Halal Innovation & Industrial Hub in Penang.
In his remarks, Anwar emphasised that efforts to elevate the economic standing of the Bumiputera community do not seek to sideline any other group. He highlighted Penang as evidence that stable politics, clear policies and close federal-state cooperation can expand Bumiputera economic participation while benefiting all Malaysians.
“The country’s halal industry continues to receive global recognition. Almost every meeting I have with foreign leaders touches on their desire to expand cooperation with Malaysia in this field. However, we cannot rely on certification alone. The halal industry ecosystem must be strengthened so that more local companies can grow and Malaysia remains a world leader in halal,” Anwar said.
Turning to the semiconductor sector, where Penang is a regional hub, the Prime Minister stressed the need to open more opportunities for Bumiputera companies to enter high-value supply chains through collaboration, technology transfer and talent development. To kick-start this effort, he announced an initial allocation of RM5 million for the Bumiputera Semiconductor Strategy.
After the official ceremony, Anwar toured the exhibition booths featuring various ministries, government agencies and industry players. Popular attractions included the RAHMAH sales, government service exhibitions, the MADANI Monitoring Unit, the National Information Dissemination Initiative (NADI), and interactive activities benefiting the community.
Also present were Communications Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Fahmi Mohamed Fadzil and Penang Deputy Chief Minister I Datuk Dr Mohamad Abdul Hamid. The event concluded on a patriotic note with participants waving the Jalur Gemilang in anticipation of National Month.
The MADANI Kita programme in Permatang Pauh reflects the government’s approach of going to the ground to strengthen ties with the people and ensure that policy benefits reach communities directly.
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