UAE groups eye Malaysia as halal meat hub, waste-to-energy investment destination

KOZHIKODE, India: UAE business groups are exploring Malaysia for halal meat distribution, waste-to-energy projects and skilled jobs, potentially opening new investment opportunities.

Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said Sharaf Group, one of the UAE's diversified business conglomerates, was interested in leveraging Malaysia's logistics and cargo capabilities as a regional distribution hub for halal meat destined for overseas markets.

"During my engagement with Major General Sharafuddin Sharaf, vice chairman of Sharaf Group, discussions included the group's interest in leveraging Malaysia as a regional distribution hub for halal meat to overseas markets, building on its cargo and logistics capabilities," he said during his working visit here before departing for the Maldives.

The proposal could position Malaysia as a strategic link between halal meat producers, processing facilities and international consumer markets, while tapping the country's established halal ecosystem, port infrastructure and connectivity with key markets in Asia and the Middle East.

It also comes as Malaysia seeks to strengthen its position as a global halal hub, with opportunities spanning logistics, cold-chain infrastructure, distribution and international supply networks.

Anwar also met Tariq Chauhan, co-founder and executive vice-chairman of EFS Facilities Services Group, who outlined plans to expand hiring opportunities and highlighted the potential for Malaysians to pursue careers in facilities management.

The sector covers areas including engineering, operations and integrated building services.

Anwar said his engagements with UAE-linked businesses provided an opportunity to explore new avenues for investment, logistics, employment and business collaboration, while strengthening Malaysia's links with leading UAE companies and the wider UAE-India business community.

"Malaysia welcomes greater engagement with businesses from the UAE and India, and we will continue to facilitate partnerships that create tangible economic opportunities for our people and businesses," he said.

Anwar also highlighted potential collaboration with Beeah Group, which has transitioned from its environmental origins into a multi-sector organisation spanning environment, energy, technology, healthcare, and real estate.

Anwar said the group's state-of-the-art facility in Sharjah, UAE, specialises in comprehensive recycling and material recovery for municipal, industrial, and construction waste.

Capitalising on this expertise, Beeah is looking to develop a sustainable waste-to-energy facility in Malaysia, he said.

The proposed project could support Malaysia's efforts to reduce landfill dependence while creating opportunities for technology transfer, infrastructure investment and long-term operations.

The engagements were held with business leaders from the UAE-India Business Council – UAE Chapter (UIBC-UC), established in 2023 under the Federation of UAE Chambers of Commerce and Industry to promote trade, investment and business-to-business linkages between the UAE and India.

Its members operate across sectors including logistics, infrastructure, retail, healthcare, technology, clean energy and advanced manufacturing.

For Malaysia, the discussions could help attract Gulf capital into sectors aligned with the country's economic priorities while giving UAE companies access to the Asean market, halal economy, logistics infrastructure and skilled workforce.

The engagements came as Anwar concluded his programme in Kerala following his participation in the 18th BRICS Leaders' Summit in New Delhi.

He departed Kerala for the Maldives at 7.26pm local time for a two-day state visit, where he is scheduled to hold talks with President Mohamed Muizzu and other senior Maldivian leaders.