While halal has become a major international market, there are still no international standards and best practices, making it a complex area to regulate.

Malaysia has already created a Steering Committee under the Ministry of International Trade and Industry (MITI) to coordinate these activities.

But more than 20 different ministries and agencies continue to have input in halal regulation.

"It has been suggested that a dedicated Agency to oversee and coordinate Halal-related matters and issues may prove to be a useful asset. This agency in all probability would be housed under MITI," Jumaatun Azmi, managing director of KasehDia, organizers of the World Halal Forum, told AP-FoodTechnology.com.

With more than 1.8 billion Muslims globally, the total size of global halal food and non-food (such as financial services, pharmaceuticals and cosmetics) industries is estimated at RM7.98 trillion.

The Halal food market has never been measured but estimates range from USD 150 to 500 billion.

Although Malaysia is a predominantly Muslim country, its participation in the halal industry is still insignificant when compared to Thailand, which is fast emerging as a halal hub.

Malaysia is seeking to redress this issue with the first World Halal Forum, running in Kuala Lumpur from 8-10 May and expecting to draw 500 delegates from all over the world.

It has attracted speakers from companies including Nestle, Tesco UK, McDonalds, LSG Skychefs, CIMB Islamic, Islamic Development Bank, Cargill Palm Products and the Halal Science Centre in Thailand.

This exhibition will be followed by the Third Malaysia International Halal Showcase 2006 (Mihas 2006) from May 10-14.