Stringent Standards Upheld to Protect Muslim Consumers’ Interests

The Malaysian government will now exclusively permit the importation of meat and poultry products that have obtained halal certificates from US halal certification bodies complying with halal standards established by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM).

Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz emphasized that the Malaysian government will not compromise on this matter and continues upholding halal standards that adhere to Shariah law to safeguard Muslim consumers’ interests within the country.

He clarified that the facilitation being offered relates only to monitoring and verification conducted by US halal certification bodies recognized by JAKIM. He stressed that claims suggesting Malaysia will simply recognize US halal certificates are baseless, misleading, and malicious, failing to reflect the actual facts agreed upon in US tariff revision negotiations.

The minister noted that negotiations agreed to facilitate the certification and registration process for facilities exporting dairy, meat, and poultry products from the US to Malaysia based on established domestic regulations.

Both countries have also agreed to adopt the regionalization method for animal disease control for US live poultry product exports, in addition to facilitating processes for US products such as automotive items, medical devices, and pharmaceuticals based on domestic regulations.

The negotiations resulted in both countries agreeing to enhance their commitments and enforcement on intellectual property rights, labor, environment, and sustainable fisheries management issues based on Malaysia’s commitments to relevant international organizations.

HDC Targets Significant Increase in Halal Exporters

Earlier in January, the Halal Development Corporation Bhd (HDC)—a central agency advancing Malaysia’s halal ecosystem under Tengku Zafrul’s ministry (MITI)—targeted 2,443 halal exporters from within the country this year, compared to 1,600 in December 2024.

HDC Chief Executive Officer Hairol Ariffein Sahari identified challenges local companies face in becoming halal exporters, including the lack of a halal compliance manager responsible for developing halal operational frameworks, the ability to identify potential halal markets, and a wait-and-see attitude.

He emphasized that such companies must possess market intelligence to ensure clear direction and strategy in the halal economy, along with guidance on exporting products internationally.

Hairol noted that over 200,000 companies engage in halal-related business activities. As of December last year, only 9,162 companies across various segments held halal certification from JAKIM.

Of these, only 1,600 are halal exporters, which remains low compared to global halal market demand now exceeding US$3 trillion.

ASEAN Collaboration for Halal Market Growth

Regarding Malaysia’s ASEAN chairmanship this year, HDC Chairman Khairul Azwan Harun stated that Malaysia would assist other member countries in developing halal ecosystems in their countries, while improving bilateral trade between Malaysia and ASEAN counterparts.

He highlighted that ASEAN has more than 650 million people, representing an opportunity for the 10 ASEAN member countries to benefit from the halal economy. He stressed that ASEAN should not allow countries outside the region to profit exponentially from the halal market.

Khairul also mentioned that HDC plans to collaborate with agencies such as the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (MATRADE) and JAKIM to continue promoting Malaysia’s halal products to other countries.

Original Article:

The Edge Malaysia. (2025, October 2). Govt only allows meat, poultry imports with halal certificates that comply with Jakim standards. The Edge Malaysia. Retrieved from https://www.theedgemalaysia.com/node/765139