Forty companies, with 95 percent of them being from Malaysia, are participating in the Asean Halal Expo 2024 (AHEX’24) held at Asean Mall, Pattani, Southern Thailand, starting yesterday (July 25).

These Malaysian companies, including those from Selangor, Terengganu, Kelantan, Perak, and Kedah, are showcasing a wide range of food, beverage, and beauty products.

The third edition of the five-day expo, aiming to reach a trade value of 100 million baht, includes prominent Malaysian companies such as Adabi, Faiza, and Al-Hadad.

This year’s expo is organized by UNITI Asia Link Sdn Bhd; One Stop Center Co Ltd; and Asean Mall, with collaboration from several other entities, such as Fatoni University; Halal Department of Prince of Songkhla University; Koperasi Ibnu Affan; Kolej UNITI Sdn Bhd; Mubarak Halal Food Fest; Adabi; and Mountain Brand.

AHEX’24 was officially opened by the Deputy Advisor of Sheikhul Islam Thailand, Associate Professor Dr. Ismail Ali. Also present was the Malaysian Consul General in Songkhla, Ahmad Fahmi Ahmad Sarkawi.

Some of the products showcased are already familiar to the residents of Southern Thailand – Pattani, Yala, Narathiwat, and Songkhla.

During this AHEX, several companies, including Al-Hadad, launched their new products.

The Director of One Stop Centre Co Ltd, Zamri Said, stated that the response to this expo has been very positive, with participation from major Malaysian companies.

“Moreover, Asean Mall is now well-known as a hub or collection center for various products before they are marketed in Southern Thailand,” he told Apa Khabar TV.

It is understood that the entry of Malaysian manufacturers into the Southern Thailand market also aims to prevent the public from purchasing counterfeit products.

AHEX is the largest international trade expo held in Southern Thailand, featuring a mix of Business to Business (B2B) and Business to Consumer (B2C) concepts.

Meanwhile, a survey by Apa Khabar TV found that the authorities, particularly the police, have increased security around Pattani town, especially in the Asean Mall area.

When asked about the concerns of the public, especially Malaysian tourists, regarding attending AHEX’24, Zamri assured that there is nothing to worry about.

“So far, there have been no concerning incidents in the town area. Most incidents occur in remote areas… God willing, everything is safe,” he said.