OTAFUKU SAUCE MALAYSIA SDN. BHD., a joint venture between Japan’s Otafuku Sauce Co., Ltd. (Japan) and Sushi King Holdings Sdn. Bhd., has recently hosted the grand opening of its newly constructed halal-certified office and factory in Sendayan TechValley, Negeri Sembilan. The facility, which commenced operations in July 2025 marks a significant expansion in the company’s capacity to serve Malaysia’s growing appetite for Japanese cuisine and export markets across Asia, the Middle East and Europe.
The opening ceremony united industry leaders and government officials for a ribbon-cutting, facility tour, and culinary showcase of halal-certified seasonings produced on-site. Guests enjoyed live teppanyaki demonstrations of Okonomiyaki and Sushi, showcasing the versatility of products from the JAKIM-accredited facility.
Established in April 2016 in Selangor, Otafuku Sauce Malaysia focuses on manufacturing halal-compliant seasonings, like Okonomi Sauce, while promoting Japanese cuisine in Muslim markets. With rising demand for Japanese cuisine, the company invested RM50 million to build a new factory, which features semi-automatic filling systems and has a production capacity about eight times greater than the old plant.
YBhg. Datuk Sikh Shamsul Ibrahim Sikh Abdul Majid, Chief Executive Officer of the Malaysian Investment Development Authority (MIDA), stated, “We are delighted to welcome Otafuku Sauce Malaysia’s additional RM50 million investment into this new state-of-the-art facility in Sendayan, Negeri Sembilan, a decision that powerfully affirms Malaysia’s role as the central hub for the global Halal industry. This project perfectly aligns with our national agenda to attract high-value, quality investments, showcasing how a renowned Japanese company can leverage Malaysia’s rigorous Halal ecosystem to serve both its 85% Malaysian sales and expanding export markets. This commitment to authentic Japanese culinary culture also brings valuable food technology know-how to Malaysia and further deepens the longstanding partnership between our two nations.”
Currently, Otafuku Sauce Malaysia offers over 100 halal-compliant products, including Okonomi Sauce, Kimchi Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce, and Sushi Rice Seasoning. Their product portfolio consists of 40% NB (own brand) and 60% ODM (contract manufacturing). They provide solutions for teppanyaki, sushi, ramen, and more.
To maintain halal compliance, the company uses only halal-certified raw materials and innovative product development. Their popular Okonomi Sauce blends seafood ingredients to replicate a savoury meat-like taste for universal appeal.
About 85% of Otafuku Sauce Malaysia’s sales are from the Malaysian market, with exports to Indonesia, Singapore, the UK, the UAE, Japan, and more. Indonesia is a key growth area. The company aims to expand further into the Middle East and Europe by participating in trade shows and using e-commerce platforms.
Mr. Naoyoshi Sasaki, President and CEO of Otafuku Holdings Co., Ltd., stated, “Otafuku Sauce Malaysia will continue to produce a diverse range of halal seasonings under stringent quality control, utilising the expertise and recipes cultivated over decades as a Japanese seasoning manufacturer. As the Southeast Asia hub of the Otafuku Group, we aim to deliver safe and reliable halal products to Muslim markets and beyond, while promoting the appeal of Japanese cuisine such as Okonomiyaki to dining tables worldwide.”
Otafuku Sauce Malaysia also actively engage directly with customers through live demonstrations at stores and events, tasting sessions, and recipe-sharing via social media, further strengthening appreciation for Japanese cuisine in Malaysia.
Moving forward, the company will continue incorporating consumer feedback into product development, including exploring flavours that complement Malaysian culinary culture.