Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Khairy Jamaluddin said that foreign vaccine manufacturers have expressed interest in investing in Malaysia.

Speaking at a press conference today, he said they were looking to build manufacturing plants to serve both regional and halal markets.

“Many vaccine producers have approached us in wanting to position Malaysia as a hub for Southeast Asia and also Muslim markets around the world because of our well respected and stringent halal certification.

“This is seen as a value add for many vaccine manufacturers,” he said.

The minister said he had discussed the matter with a Russian sovereign wealth fund and also with a party from India.