Malaysia First Market For Korean Halal Hanwoo Beef, Driving Trade Opportunities

By Nabilah Saleh

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 16 (Bernama) -- Building on the success of halal-certified premium Korean Hanwoo beef in Malaysia last year, South Korea is now set to further expand its halal offerings, enhancing availability in local markets and accessibility for consumers.

Minister at the South Korean Embassy in Malaysia, Lee Han Il, said that Hanwoo beef, raised with high-quality feed using advanced smart farming technology and strict food safety management systems, offers a luxurious flavour and meat quality that South Koreans hold dear.

“The export of Hanwoo beef is significant not only for the effort to meet halal certification requirements but also because this beef holds special meaning for South Koreans, much like the durian does for Malaysians,” he said during a recent promotional event for Hanwoo cuisine held here.

He added that South Korea is now focused on expanding the market further and noted that another company is on track to secure halal certification soon, which will increase the number of outlets offering Hanwoo beef.

“I am very pleased to have the opportunity to promote the excellence of Hanwoo beef, especially now that conditions for export and distribution are improving,” he added.

Organised by the South Korean Ministry of Agriculture and the Hanwoo Board, the promotional event, also aimed to raise awareness about Hanwoo and its culinary potential.

Lee also expressed hopes that such initiatives will help boost Hanwoo's recognition in Malaysia and pave the way for even greater engagement in the future.

“As people in Malaysia are fond of watching South Korean dramas like ‘Squid Game’ and ‘Queen of Tears,’ I hope to hear more people talk about how much they enjoyed Hanwoo beef in the future,” Lee said.

Lee further shared a personal highlight of the event, saying that the dish being showcased was made from rare Hanwoo beef sourced from a young cow that had never birthed a calf.

South Korea commenced exports of its first batch of halal-certified Hanwoo beef to Malaysia on June 29 last year.

The two nations signed the first contract to facilitate the export of South Korean beef to Malaysia that meets halal standards in March after seven years of talks on quarantine negotiations.

South Korea's Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs had announced plans to export a total of 1,875 tonnes of Korean beef over the next three years, equivalent to about 2,500 heads of cattle per year. This volume marks over 13 times the 44 tonnes shipped overseas in 2022.

-- BERNAMA