30/09/2026

BIZ & FINANCE WEDNESDAY | SEPT 30, 2026

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Mihas 2026 delivers RM6.78b in sales KUALA LUMPUR: The 22nd Malaysia International Halal Showcase (Mihas) 2026 has delivered a strong four-day performance, recording total sales of RM6.78 billion from Sept 23–26, an increase of RM730 million or 12% compared with RM6.05 billion recorded in 2025. The achievement also exceeded the RM5 billion sales target by RM1.78 billion, or 35.5% increase. Mihas 2026 attracted 69,104 visitors from 93 countries, up from 50,340 visitors in 2025 – an increase of 18,764 visitors or 37.3%, the highest since its inception in 2004. The event also brought together participating exhibitors and INSP buyers from 58 countries. The International Sourcing Programme generated RM4.02 billion, compared with RM3.63 billion in 2025, representing an increase of RM394.5 million or 10.9%. Meanwhile, the Mihas Exhibition recorded approximately RM1.99 billion, compared with RM1.89 billion in 2025, an increase of RM103.9 million or 5.5%. Among the top products driving exhibition sales were processed food and confectionery, food technology and packaging, frozen food, and fertilisers and agrochemicals, reflecting the diverse range of halal products showcased at Mihas. At Mihas Exhibition 2026, Malaysian SMEs generated RM620 million in sales, compared with RM557 million in 2025, representing an increase of approximately RM63 million or 11.3%. This builds on the strong growth recorded over the past six editions, with SME participation increasing from 64 companies in 2021 to 339 companies in 2026, representing a significant 429.7% increase.

Selangor unveils rail hub at InnoTrans 2026 in Berlin

facilitate trade and investment activities. ICBC Malaysia managing director and CEO Geng Hao said that through this MoU, ICBC Malaysia is committed to providing robust financial solutions, access to RMB financial solutions and leveraging ICBC’s vast China domestic and international network to help Malaysian businesses navigate entry into growth markets and capture high-value market share, while supporting Malaysian enteprises in connecting with credible Chinese business partners.” Moving forward, both institutions will focus on executing joint initiatives that broaden market access, streamline trade facilitation, and drive resilient commercial outcomes for Malaysian enterprises. platforms and frameworks. The hub focuses on four operational activities: local train assembly & testing, PoC & system integration, train simulator development, and supply chain localisation control. Human capital development is fortified through the rail teaching factory framework and the Selangor Talent Action Plan for Rail Industry – delivering a certified, cross-system engineering pipeline. Invest Selangor Bhd invites global rail OEMs, Tier-1 system integrators, technology providers, and supply chain partners to participate in this transformative ecosystem. Interested parties seeking site allocation, pilot collaboration, or strategic partnership opportunities within the Selangor Rail Industry Hub are encouraged to submit an official Expression of Interest via email to info@investselangor.my. Ng said, “Selangor holds the highest concentration of rail assets in Malaysia, and as these mature assets reach critical operational milestones, we see an immense opportunity to strengthen our capabilities in asset lifecycle management, localised system overhauls and smart digital integration. The Selangor Rail Industry Hub is a strategic step to capture these opportunities and solidify Selangor’s position as a regional engineering anchor.”

o Project targets local train assembly, system integration and skilled workforce development

PETALING JAYA: The Selangor state government, through Invest Selangor Bhd, has launched the Selangor Rail Industry Hub at InnoTrans 2026 within the Malaysia Pavilion in Berlin yesterday. The launch was officiated by the Selangor State Executive Council for Investment, Trade and Mobility Ng Sze Han, who led the Selangor delegation to Berlin. The initiative positions Selangor as Southeast Asia’s premier centre for localised train assembly, system integration, and workforce development. As Malaysia’s rail heartland—home to the highest concentration of national rail assets and flagship projects like the 203km Kita Selangor Rail Line—Selangor established the hub to address aging asset overhauls, strengthen supply chain resilience, and serve as an Asean regional gateway via its direct connection to Port Klang and major rail corridors. The Selangor Rail Industry Hub will be located at Taman Perindustrian Zurah, Rasa, Hulu Selangor. Phase 1 of the hub commences

immediately across 36,000 sq ft of built-up space at Sirim Bhd’s premises, providing direct technical validation and compliance under Malaysia Railway Industry Standards. To accommodate scalable growth, Phase 2 will utilise a 19-acre land plot adjacent to Sirim for expanded assembly and testing operations, while Phase 3 establishes a 125 acre dedicated rail industrial park located approximately 2km from Phases 1 and 2 to cater to long-term industrial expansion and rising regional demand. To mark the official launch, Sirim Bhd formally accepted Letters of Intent from three key industry anchors to operationalise core capabilities within the hub – MMC Engineering Bhd to establishing local train assembly and testing operations; Pecca Leather (Pecca Aviation/Mobility) to set up a specialised training academy for rail seating and upholstery standards; and Xcel Itech Sdn Bhd for a collaboration with Sirim Bhd in localisation, testing, validation and commercialisation of train simulator

Matrade, ICBC Malaysia team up to boost exports to China PETALING JAYA: The Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade) and Industrial and Commercial Bank of China (Malaysia) Bhd (ICBC Malaysia) have formalised a partnership to accelerate bilateral trade and unlock new growth pathways for Malaysian enterprises expanding into China. Malaysia aligns directly with our strategy to help Malaysian enterprises navigate international growth securely, build resilient trade connections, and establish a lasting footprint across regional markets.” expanding their products and services into China and other growing markets such as Asean.

Crucially, ICBC Malaysia will extend financial solutions to support Matrade’s initiatives to boost Malaysia China trade activities such as its flagship Malaysia-China Gateway Initiative. This initiative will ensure Malaysian exporters receive comprehensive trade finance and market-entry support. ICBC Malaysia will also promote the use of the Chinese Yuan (RMB) as a trade and investment settlement currency between Malaysia and China, and provide comprehensive financial solutions, including RMB trade settlement, trade finance and foreign exchange hedging solutions, to

Under this partnership, Matrade and ICBC Malaysia will unite their institutional networks and financial capabilities to scale Malaysian exports across strategic hubs throughout China. The collaboration will drive joint trade engagements, facilitate cross-border business opportunities, and leverage global network platforms to directly connect Malaysian suppliers and service providers with credible Chinese partners to support Malaysian medium and small-sized enterprises in

The exchange of the memorandum of understanding (MoU), which took place at the Malaysia Pavilion during the 5th Global Digital Trade Expo (GDTE) in Hangzhou, China, esta blishes a robust financial and trade promotion bridge between both organisations. Matrade CEO Datuk Indera Abu Bakar Yusof said, “Expanding into major markets like China requires both commercial access and strong financial infrastructure. Partnering with ICBC