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Where We Hold Firm
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@ Halal | November-December. 2025
CONTENTS
@ Halal says...
Where We Hold Firm
AS Malaysia deepens its economic partnerships, the recently concluded Malaysia – US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade( ART) has revived an important and familiar debate: Can we expand trade without compromising halal integrity? compromising halal integrity? The government’ s answer is clear— we can, and we must. Malaysia’ s halal ecosystem has earned global respect precisely because it has never been shaped by external demands.
It was built through meticulous processes, grounded in Islamic scholarship, and decades of regulatory refinement. At its centre stands JAKIM— recognised worldwide not merely as a regulator, but as a guardian of trust. That trust is the real strength behind Malaysia’ s halal leadership, and no trade pact should ever dilute it.
This is why Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz’ s reassurance during the ASEAN Summit 2025 mattered. His reminder that“ Malaysia’ s halal standards are determined by Malaysia, certified by JAKIM and safeguarded by Muslims in this country” reaffirms a non-negotiable principle: Our halal framework is not something to be adjusted for convenience or foreign pressure.
There is no denying that the ART agreement opens economic doors. Streamlined procedures, reciprocal market access and regulatory collaboration can boost Malaysia’ s competitiveness in a world where trade blocs are tightening. But economic value must never supersede halal assurance.
The burden of proof remains squarely on foreign certifiers, and Malaysia’ s rigorous audit-based recognition system stands as the firewall that shields consumers from ambiguity.
As global demand for halal products accelerates, more countries will seek entry into Malaysia’ s market— and into Malaysia’ s circle of trust. The way forward is not to retreat from trade, but to ensure all engagement takes place on Malaysia’ s terms, with our principles intact.
Our halal ecosystem has long served as a global benchmark. Protecting it is both a strategic advantage and a religious responsibility.
The ART may signal new opportunities— but the standardbearer of Malaysia’ s halal assurance must remain unwaveringly rooted in our institutions and values.
In trade, we may compromise. In halal, we do not. And that must remain Malaysia’ s unshakeable position.
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Deeper halal diplomacy Malaysia and New Zealand renewed their halal cooperation at the ASEAN Summit 2025 for new market opportunities across ASEAN.
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Ensuring halal amid trade pact MITI Minister Tengku Zafrul reaffirmed that Malaysia’ s halal certification process remains unchanged under the new trade agreement.
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The“ WOW” factor in Matanog The WOW Matanog Special Economic Zone – Bangsamoro Halal Park marks a major step toward economic renewal in Matanog.
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Thailand’ s new economic gateway Thailand’ s halal exports have reached an impressive valuation, revealing a vast landscape for growth and expansion.
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Halal in translation With the new editions of al-Basirah, Malaysia is poised to become a knowledge hub for halal.
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A showcase of excellence MIHAS 2025 returned under the theme“ Pinnacle of Halal Excellence”, focusing on trade outcomes and innovation.
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Building Selangor’ s youth SAY and MATRADE signed an MoU during MIHAS 2025 to empower young entrepreneurs in Selangor.
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Stepping forward, scaling global Indonesia’ s growing influence in the global halal market was evidenced by the US $ 463,977 in sales generated at Halal Indo 2025.