Minister Mohd Na’im confirms foreign halal certification bodies must fully comply with Malaysian standards and JAKIM oversight
PUTRAJAYA: Foreign halal certification bodies remain fully subject to Malaysian halal procedures, syariah principles, and national standards according to the Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department.
Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar clarified that Article 2.5 of the Malaysia-US Trade Agreement only facilitates administrative use of recognised halal logos for smoother approval processes.
He emphasised that Malaysia will never compromise on its Halal Standard through his Facebook post today.
All audit, monitoring, and final certification processes remain completely under JAKIM’s control according to the minister.
Mohd Na’im specified that halal approval for foreign abattoirs exporting meat and poultry to Malaysia requires audits against Malaysian Standards and Protocols.
Audits must be conducted with at least two syariah officers from recognised certification bodies present.
The audit report must receive endorsement from a committee appointed by JAKIM before approval.
Foreign halal certification bodies must fully comply with all Malaysian requirements to maintain JAKIM recognition status.
Compliance includes syariah aspects, safety standards, hygiene protocols, and audit procedures without exceptions.
Recognition of US halal certificates aims to expedite administrative matters rather than relax Malaysian standards.
All imported products remain subject to JAKIM audits and periodic monitoring under existing regulations.
The Trade Descriptions Act 2011 provisions continue to apply to ensure halal system integrity and transparency.
International agreements signed by Malaysia remain subject to domestic regulations according to the minister.
Improvements only expedite administrative processes without affecting halal standard principles and rigor.
Malaysia’s commitments under international agreements require translation into domestic law before implementation.
This dual legal system approach ensures smooth trade transactions without compromising syariah principles.
Claims about Malaysia compromising halal standards are untrue and could damage the certification system’s reputation.
Malaysia remains firm in defending the sovereignty and integrity of its globally recognised halal standards.
The Malaysian Halal Certification System serves as a global benchmark accepted by many countries worldwide.
Malaysia and the US signed a comprehensive agreement during the 47th ASEAN Summit to strengthen bilateral economic relations.
This agreement expands market access and enhances supply chain resilience between both nations.
Malaysia agreed to provide preferential market access for US industrial goods and agricultural products.
The 47th ASEAN Summit concluded on Tuesday after Malaysia’s fifth chairmanship since the bloc’s establishment.
Malaysia previously chaired ASEAN in 2015, 2005, 1997, and 1977 throughout the organization’s history.
This summit marked the culmination of Malaysia’s 2025 ASEAN Chairmanship before the Philippines takes over.
The Philippines will assume ASEAN Chairmanship starting January 1, 2026, according to the announcement. – Bernama
