November-December. 2025 | @ Halal

• The Malaysia-US Agreement on Reciprocal Trade( ART) strengthens bilateral cooperation while maintaining Malaysia’ s strict halal framework.

• MITI Minister Tengku Zafrul reaffirmed that Malaysia’ s halal certification process remains unchanged under the new trade agreement.

• JAKIM’ s recognition of foreign halal certifiers will continue to follow rigorous audits and verification.

The agreement, concluded during the 47th ASEAN Summit and Related Summits in Kuala Lumpur, from Oct 26 to 28, underscores both nations’ commitment to open trade and investment— but not at the expense of Malaysia’ s globally recognised halal integrity.

THE ART AGREEMENT BRIEF

The Agreement on Reciprocal Trade, signed on Oct 26, is a bilateral pact designed to deepen trade and investment flows between Malaysia and the United States. Under the deal, Malaysia has committed to reducing or eliminating specific tariff and non-tariff barriers facing US exporters, streamlining import licensing and regulatory-related procedures, and providing non-discriminatory market access for US industrial and agricultural goods.

Meanwhile, the United States has maintained a reciprocal tariff framework( notably a 19 per cent baseline rate on Malaysian‐origin goods) while granting access to Malaysian sectors under specified conditions.

Crucially, Malaysia has emphasised that the agreement does not alter its sovereign regulatory standards— including in sectors such as halal certification— nor does it relinquish the authority of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) in overseeing halal compliance.

The pact, therefore, aims to balance trade liberalisation with regulatory autonomy— a key concern in sectors where standards such as halal, food safety, and animal health carry both economic and religious significance.

SAFEGUARDING STANDARDS

Tengku Zafrul said the MADANI government had maintained its firm stance on ensuring full compliance with halal standards throughout the negotiation process. He stressed that the ART does not alter Malaysia’ s regulatory requirements or the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM)’ s jurisdiction over halal certification.

“ There is no relaxation of Malaysia’ s halal standards or procedures. Malaysia’ s halal standards are determined by Malaysia, certified by JAKIM and safeguarded by Muslims in this country,” Tengku Zafrul said during a ministerial briefing

TRADE DEAL: The ART marks a milestone in Malaysia-US cooperation, aligning trade facilitation with halal integrity.( Photo by: The Prime Minister’ s Office)

“ There is no relaxation of Malaysia’ s halal standards or procedures."

- Tengku Zafrul in the Dewan Rakyat.

Under the ART, Tengku Zafrul explained, only halal products certified by bodies in the United States that have been recognised by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia( JAKIM) and which meet Malaysia’ s halal criteria will be permitted for export to Malaysia.

All imported products marketed as halal in Malaysia must comply with the Trade Descriptions( Certification and Marking of Halal) Order 2011 and Malaysia’ s own halal standards, which are regarded as among the most stringent in the world.

Tengku Zafrul explained:“ JAKIM’ s recognition of any halal certification body in the United States is based on a strict audit and verification process that assesses their capability and level of compliance with Malaysia’ s halal standards.”

The minister’ s statements reflect ongoing sensitivity in Malaysia to the governance of halal certification, which involves both religious and commercial considerations. JAKIM’ s recognition process— cited by Tengku Zafrul— serves as a gatekeeping mechanism to ensure that foreign certifiers meet the technical and procedural requirements that Malaysia insists upon.

By reaffirming JAKIM’ s central role, Tengku Zafrul signalled that Malaysia intends to retain sovereign control over halal verification even as it opens new trade channels with strategic partners such as the United States.

His remarks sought to reassure consumers and stakeholders that liberalising trade relations will not weaken the nation’ s halal assurance framework.-

MALAYSIA HOLDS FIRM: Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz pictured addressing the Dewan Rakyat, reaffirming Malaysia’ s unwavering stance on halal standards under the new trade pact.