Purpose This study aims to identify the causes of supply chain disruptions and the existing gaps in the literature concerning the Halal food supply chain (HFSC) in Malaysia. The methodology used in this conceptual paper is drawn from a systematic literature review (SLR). Design/methodology/approach The study adopted a SLR approach, conducted in accordance with the Reporting Standards for Systematic Evidence Syntheses protocol, to rigorously identify, evaluate and synthesise the key sources of disruption affecting the HFSC. The Population, Interest and Context method is used prior to the article search to formulate the research questions and establish inclusion and exclusion criteria. Emerging themes were synthesised, and literature gaps were determined to provide suggestions for future exploration. Findings A final selection of 30 articles from the Scopus and Web of Science databases was analysed. Contents were analysed through thematic analysis supported by NVivo word frequency analysis. Themes such as law and enforcement, consumer behaviour, supplier behaviour, production and management functions and distribution management were identified as the themes of disruptions found in Malaysia’s HFSC. NVivo word cloud analysis was employed to provide a visual synthesis of thematic emphasis and neglect within HFSC scholarship. Findings indicate that despite the substantial growth of HFSC-related research, several key areas pertinent to this study remain underdeveloped. Previous studies have concentrated on Halal consumerism, certification and the broader supply chain. Further qualitative exploration is required to gain a more nuanced understanding of issues surrounding Halal legislation, production and management functions and distribution management. Research limitations/implications The findings emphasise the need for strengthened Halal regulation, improved supplier accountability and more robust distribution management, with clear implications for regulatory effectiveness, industry governance and policy formulation. Investigating these gaps through qualitative methodologies could inform the development of enhanced regulatory frameworks and industry best practices, ensuring compliance with Halalan-toyyiban principles. Furthermore, industry stakeholders must collaborate to foster innovation and sustainability. Strengthening these areas will bolster consumer trust, reinforce Malaysia’s status as a global Halal hub and drive long-term industry growth. Practical implications Addressing these research gaps can contribute to a more robust, transparent and effective HFSC in Malaysia. A deeper understanding of these disruptive factors will enable policymakers, commercial enterprises and researchers to collaborate more effectively, fostering innovation and sustainability to mitigate disruptions within the HFSC. Social implications This research contributes towards enhancing social integrity and sustainability of the HFSC. Addressing disruptions related to Halal law and enforcement, supplier behaviour and distribution management can bolster public trust in the Halal certification process, ensuring Muslim consumers have access to products that align with their religious and ethical principles. By addressing the identified research gaps, this study contributes to creating a more resilient and trustworthy Halal supply chain, ultimately benefiting society through increased transparency, accountability and adherence to Islamic values. Originality/value This study makes an original contribution by systematically mapping the research landscape, providing a critical touchstone for the current state of knowledge. The urgency of this research is underscored by the rapid expansion of Malaysia’s Halal food industry and its strategic goal of reinforcing its position as a global Halal hub.
Rahman et al. (Mon,) studied this question.