AKP Phnom Penh, October 14, 2025 -- Cambodia and Malaysia are looking to expand cooperation in the halal food industry, trade, tourism, and healthcare, according to Senate Spokesperson H.E. Chea Thyrith.

The initiative was discussed during a courtesy call by H.E. Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi, Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister, Minister of Rural and Regional Development, and President of the United Malays National Organisation (UMNO), to Samdech Akka Moha Sena Padei Techo Hun Sen at the Senate Palace in Phnom Penh this morning, on the sidelines of the 47th ASEAN Committee on Disaster Management (ACDM-47), currently being hosted by Cambodia.

H.E. Datuk Seri Dr. Ahmad Zahid Hamidi expressed his deep appreciation for the strong and enduring relationship between Cambodia and Malaysia, noting that the ties extend beyond politics and diplomacy to genuine people-to-people connections.

During the meeting, he proposed several initiatives to Samdech Techo, particularly focusing on the development of Cambodia’s halal food sector. He emphasised Malaysia’s commitment to supporting this industry and suggested the establishment of a joint committee to study and promote the sector’s growth in Cambodia.

The Malaysian Deputy Prime Minister also underlined the importance of expanding tourism cooperation, especially in the area of medical tourism. He shared that Malaysia is ready to welcome Cambodian visitors seeking medical treatment and other health services, and mentioned the possibility of establishing a Malaysian hospital in Cambodia.

In response, Samdech Techo Hun Sen welcomed the initiatives and underlined the need to strengthen both economic and political relations between the two countries. He called for enhanced efforts to boost economic, trade, investment, and tourism ties, noting that although bilateral trade has increased, there is still room for further growth.

Regarding medical tourism, Samdech Techo suggested that Malaysia consider setting up a health information centre in Cambodia to provide citizens with detailed information about medical services available in Malaysia.

On the subject of halal food, Samdech Techo acknowledged that the issue has long been discussed and expressed hope that concrete progress can be made through bilateral cooperation in the near future.

The meeting also touched on regional issues. Samdech Techo shared updates on recent border tensions with Thailand, citing disruptive activities by the Thai side, such as the use of loud sounds aimed at disturbing Cambodian villagers.

He clarified that Cambodia is not seeking condemnation of any country, but rather calls for mutual respect of ceasefire agreements and constructive efforts from both sides to normalise bilateral relations.

Samdech Techo concluded by expressing gratitude to H.E. Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim, Prime Minister of Malaysia, for his active role in promoting peace and stability between Cambodia and Thailand. He also commended the Malaysian Prime Minister’s leadership as ASEAN Chair and his contributions to maintaining regional peace.

By Heng Panha