
Halal industry, fisheries, education, Gaza among matters discussed in meeting with Prabowo
JAKARTA: Cooperation in the halal industry, fisheries, higher education, and the issue of Gaza, Palestine were among the matters discussed during Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi's courtesy call on President Prabowo Subianto here today.
Ahmad Zahid said both countries had in principle agreed that the halal logo of the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM) could be used for halal products exported to Indonesia without requiring a new standard operating procedure.
'Malaysia will also recognise Indonesia's halal certification for products exported to Malaysia.
'This is a game changer that we must appreciate due to the commitment shown by industry players, especially as it received endorsement from the Indonesian Minister of Religious Affairs and during my discussion with Vice President Gibran Rakabuming Raka,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid was speaking to the media after paying a courtesy call on Prabowo, which lasted about an hour and 45 minutes, at the Merdeka Palace in Central Jakarta today.
Ahmad Zahid said during the meeting, he also proposed that the halal industry forum, to be jointly organised by Malaysia and Indonesia, be held at the regional level, in addition to the intention to establish the ASEAN Halal Council being conveyed to the ASEAN Secretariat for approval by member states.
'The ASEAN Halal Council needs to be established not only to coordinate the issuance of halal certificates but also to make ASEAN a major market for products among ASEAN countries,' he said.
On the issue of fishermen along the maritime borders of both countries, Ahmad Zahid said he and Prabowo agreed that those who crossed into each other's territorial waters should be given a warning first, based on the memorandum of understanding signed in 2012.
'We urge Malaysian fishermen to continue using the Automatic Identification System (AIS) and not to switch it off while in the Straits of Malacca because our authorities will be monitoring their position or location,' he said.
He stressed that this matter should be emphasised by the authorities in both countries to ensure that the good relations between the two nations are maintained.
Both leaders also stressed efforts to promote Malaysian higher education in technical, engineering and professional fields in Indonesia so that more Indonesian students could pursue their studies in Malaysia.
In another development, Ahmad Zahid said he and Prabowo shared the same stance on the Zionist attacks in Gaza, which was for a permanent ceasefire to be implemented and for the entry of humanitarian aid to be facilitated.
'We will jointly call on the international community to unite towards this effort so that reconstruction in Gaza and Palestine can take place,' he said.
Commenting on his official visit, Ahmad Zahid said he was very satisfied as matters beyond the framework of bilateral relations, regional politics and geo-economics, and even international affairs had been discussed.
'We hope there will be follow-through by Wisma Putra and also the Indonesian Foreign Ministry as well as other relevant departments,' he said.
Ahmad Zahid concluded his three-day official visit to the country today and departed from Soekarno Hatta International Airport at 8.19 pm local time (9.19 pm Malaysian time).
Hashtags

Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles


The Sun
39 minutes ago
- The Sun
Indonesia revokes most mining permits in dive hotspot after outcry
JAKARTA: Indonesia revoked permits on Tuesday for four of the five mining companies operating in the eastern archipelago of Raja Ampat after activists shared videos of islands damaged by nickel extraction. The cluster of islands and shoals in Southwest Papua Province sits in the Coral Triangle and is thought to be one of the world's most pristine reefs, with its clear blue waters making it a popular diving spot. Indonesia has the world's largest nickel reserves and is the biggest producer of the metal, which is used in electric vehicle batteries and stainless steel, and a 2020 export ban has spurred a domestic industrial boom. Last week, Greenpeace Indonesia published videos showing environmental damage to three islands because of nickel mining projects, including one clip which racked up more than 15 million Instagram views. President Prabowo Subianto 'decided that the government will revoke the mining business licence of four companies in Raja Ampat', state secretariat minister Prasetyo Hadi told reporters. Energy and mineral resources minister Bahlil Lahadalia said 'they have violated' regulations. 'We believe this region must be protected,' he said. Greenpeace said nickel exploitation on the islands of Gag, Kawe and Manuran had led to the destruction of more than 500 hectares (1,200 acres) of forest and vegetation. Environmentalists say coral reefs and marine life are threatened by the operations, but Bahlil denied the surrounding environment had been harmed. 'If people say the coral reefs and the ocean have been damaged, you can see for yourself. Please be careful to differentiate which one is real and which one is not,' he said. - 'Make sure they stop' - The NGO's campaign led to growing calls by politicians and celebrities for the licences to be withdrawn. The four companies impacted by the immediate ban are PT Anugerah Surya Pratama, PT Nurham, PT Kawei Sejahtera Mining and PT Mulia Raymond Perkasa. PT Nurham received its mining permits this year and has not started production but the other three have had them since 2013, according to the energy ministry. One more company -- PT Gag Nikel -- will continue to operate on Raja Ampat's Gag island but be closely monitored, said Bahlil. It received its operational permit in 2017. The three affected islands are categorised as small islands that under Indonesian law should be off-limits to mining, Greenpeace said. Greenpeace Indonesia said the decision was a good start but the government needed to take further action. 'We appreciate this decision but we need to make sure the decision will be implemented. We need to make sure they stop,' forest campaign team leader Arie Rompas said. He warned the government could reissue the permits later or the companies could appeal the decision in court. The activist said the government should also revoke the operating permit for the fifth company. A report last week by Climate Rights International alleged the Indonesian government was allowing environmental damage and violations against Indigenous people to go unchecked by nickel mining firms in the eastern Maluku islands. Processing and mining operations have grown there around Weda Bay, the world's largest nickel mine by production, but have led to locals reporting a spike in air pollution from smelters and rivers polluted by nickel tailings in soil carried by rain. An AFP report last month detailed how the home of the nomadic Hongana Manyawa tribe was being eaten away by that mine, with members issuing a call for nickel companies to leave their tribal lands alone.


Focus Malaysia
40 minutes ago
- Focus Malaysia
Taiwan Excellence invites Malaysian business to join hands in creating a better life
TOUTED as the 'Oscar of Taiwanese Industry', Taiwan Excellence epitomises the pinnacle of Taiwanese corporate achievement, showcasing the very best of 'Made in Taiwan' products. A total of 27 award-winning companies will participate in the Taiwan Expo from 23rd to 25th June at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre under the Taiwan Excellence banner, featuring over 40 innovative products. Themed 'Innovative Solutions for a Better Life', these outstanding products exemplify Taiwan's industrial innovation and capabilities, aiming to explore business opportunities with Malaysian counterparts while offering consumers the chance to experience cutting-edge technologies that enhance everyday life. This year's exhibition focuses on three dedicated sections: Health & Wellness, Smart Living, and Innovative Solutions, encompassing a diverse array of products and services across various sectors, including food, clothing, housing, transportation, sports and leisure, health management, retail, finance, and green buildings, among others. Some exhibitors will also present a range of innovative products and solutions that leverage the power of AI and IoT technologies to provide new ways to enhance the quality of life. To foster collaboration between Malaysian and Taiwanese industries, Taiwan Excellence will host a product launch event on the afternoon of 23rd June. Malaysian buyers and members of the media are cordially invited to experience five featured innovative Taiwanese products up close: • HydroLight High Penetration Detox Capsule (Jian Ling Technology Co. Ltd): A deep-detoxification and whitening skin care machine that does not require users to wear an eye shield during use. It is an excellent choice for those looking to enhance their beauty and health. • GHG Mechanical Walker (Goang Hann Enterprise Co. Ltd): This is a three-stage walker with front-wheel steering and rear-wheel speed adjustment for added safety and ease of operation. It is perfect for the elderly and people with limited mobility. • Easy Jet Micro Handheld Fire Extinguisher (Hepty International Technology Co. Ltd): This lightweight and highly portable pressure-free fire extinguisher is safe and effective for home use and can be kept in vehicles for emergencies. • Carbon EnVision Carbon Management System (Systex Corporation): A carbon management system with built-in path calculation feature and visual charts to aid companies implement effective carbon management strategies towards net zero goals. MCM plant-based metal cutting fluid (Mecom Industries Corp): An environmentally friendly, plant-based, high-efficiency metal cutting lubricant with a biodegradability rate exceeding 90%, positioning it as a leader in the green revolution within the metal processing industry. On the afternoon of 25th June, the Taiwan Excellence ambassador, FuBear mascot, will be present to participate in the 'Give Me Five, a Better Life' event. FuBear will attempt to set a new Malaysian Book of Records for the 'Most High Fives by a Mascot in One Minute,' aiming to raise awareness of social issues and spread kindness. This initiative embodies the wholesome Taiwan Excellence's spirit of — Innovation Driven, Better Life — by exploring different ways to improve people's well-being. The event is organised in collaboration with First City University College and supported by CSR partners REACH Segamat Autism Training Centre and Persatuan Seni Jahitan Kreatif Malaysia (PSJKM) to witness this heart-warming and yet creative endeavour. Notably, the Taiwan Excellence One-to-One Business Matching Event is now open for registration. Malaysian companies are strongly encouraged to sign up and explore new trade opportunities with their Taiwanese counterparts. —June 10, 2025 Main image: Taiwan Excellence


New Straits Times
43 minutes ago
- New Straits Times
Maxim submits appeal after cease-and-desist notice from Apad
KUALA LUMPUR: Maxim Malaysia has filed an appeal and submitted all relevant documents to the Land Public Transport Agency (Apad) following the issuance of cease-and-desist letters for operating without a valid E-Hailing Vehicle Permit (EVP) authorisation. Its Head of Legal and Government Relations, Mushfique Ahmed Chowdury, said the company had just concluded a meeting with Apad and had provided all necessary documents and explanations, including the required amendments in line with regulatory provisions under the Land Public Transport Act 2010. "We have complied with Apad's instructions and submitted all necessary appeals and supporting documents as part of our efforts to ensure that our operations align with the legal and compliance requirements set by the Transport Ministry and Apad for all e-hailing companies," he said at a media briefing today. The meeting marked the third between Maxim and Apad ahead of a final decision by the ministry. Present were Maxim Malaysia director Mohd Hazwan Musley and Apad deputy director-general Masita Mat Isa. Mushfique added that the company has followed all instructions issued by Apad and remains fully committed to regularising its operations. He also said that Maxim would continue to serve the Malaysian market and reaffirmed the company's intention to operate in full compliance with the law. He also assured drivers, passengers, and stakeholders that Maxim remains dedicated to supporting the community it serves. "The company's priority is to safeguard the livelihoods of its legally registered drivers and ensure they can continue operating without disruption. "Our drivers are the core of our company. We are working continuously with the government to ensure full compliance with all regulations imposed on e-hailing operators," he said. Last month, Maxim announced that it was in discussions with the authorities regarding the directive to cease operations from July 24. This followed Apad's issuance of cease-and-desist letters to two e-hailing platforms, inDrive and Maxim, for allegedly operating without proper authorisation in Malaysia. Transport Minister Anthony Loke had said that while appeals may be submitted by the companies, the final decision will rest solely with him in his capacity as the minister. When asked about measures taken by Maxim following a raid by Apad in 2023 over alleged permit violations, Mushfique clarified that the agency had only issued a notice for operational improvements. "It was not related to the cancellation of our licence. It was simply a notice requesting us to respond with details of the improvements we would implement in our operations," he said. Regarding driver compliance, he said Maxim ensures that only those with complete and valid documents are granted access to the system and allowed to accept passenger requests. He also said the issuance of the cease-and-desist letters has affected the company's revenue, although her did not disclose the extent of the losses.