Latest news with #IslamicDevelopmentDepartment
Malaysiakini
7 days ago
- Business
- Malaysiakini
No compromise on halal standards for US imports
Halal products imported from the United States must still comply with the standards set by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'What we have agreed with the US is to facilitate the process of importing halal products into Malaysia, but not to compromise on the halal standards,' he told a press conference today, following the US announcement of a tariff reduction on Malaysian exports to 19 percent from 25 percent previously.
The Sun
01-08-2025
- Business
- The Sun
Reduced levy to take effect on Aug 8: Minister
PETALING JAYA: The reduced tariffs on Malaysian exports will take effect on Aug 8 following the conclusion of negotiations between both countries, said International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Tengku Zafrul Tengku Abdul Aziz. He said both governments are expected to issue a joint statement this weekend to formalise the agreement, which he described as a significant breakthrough in bilateral trade relations. 'In the tariff negotiations, we adopted a comprehensive and systematic approach in finalising Malaysia's offer to the US. 'The ministry's negotiation team worked closely with various government agencies to coordinate efforts. We also obtained Cabinet approval to present an offer to the US that we believe is fair for Malaysia.' He said the outcome reflects the strength of Malaysia-US economic ties with the US remaining Malaysia's largest export market valued at RM198.65 billion in 2024, and affirms Malaysia's credibility as a reliable trade and investment partner. Tengku Zafrul said the revised 19% tariff aligns Malaysia with regional competitors, helping safeguard national interests while maintaining export competitiveness. He also directly addressed public concerns that Malaysia may have compromised its halal standards to meet US demands, dismissing such claims as false. 'What was agreed upon was to facilitate the import process of US halal meat into Malaysia, which will be carried out by US halal certification bodies recognised by the Islamic Development Department. 'Compliance with syariah requirements remains a prerequisite for all halal meat imports, including those from the US. Any meat that does not meet the department's standards cannot be brought into Malaysia.' Tengku Zafrul thanked the US Trade Representative's Office and the US Commerce Department for their constructive cooperation. He said the ministry has been working with Bank Negara Malaysia to assess the economic implications of various tariff levels and would coordinate with other ministries to support local exporters, especially SMEs. The ministry will also promote the use of Malaysia's 18 free trade agreements to diversify export markets and align efforts with long-term national strategies, including the New Industrial Master Plan 2030, Green Investment Strategy and the National Semiconductor Strategy.
Malaysiakini
01-08-2025
- Business
- Malaysiakini
No compromise on halal standards for US imports
Halal products imported from the United States must still comply with the standards set by the Islamic Development Department (Jakim), said Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Zafrul Abdul Aziz. 'What we have agreed with the US is to facilitate the process of importing halal products into Malaysia, but not to compromise on the halal standards,' he told a press conference today, following the US announcement of a tariff reduction on Malaysian exports to 19 percent from 25 percent previously.
Straits Times
31-07-2025
- Business
- Straits Times
US-Malaysia tariff deal expected after Trump-Anwar phone call on eve of Aug 1 deadline
Sign up now: Get ST's newsletters delivered to your inbox KUALA LUMPUR - United States President Donald Trump and Malaysian Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim have engaged in a long-awaited phone call on July 31, just a day ahead of Washington's Aug 1 deadline before a 25 per cent import tariff is due to apply on Malaysian products. Official sources told The Straits Times that a deal to lower the tariff rate to a maximum of 20 per cent or as low as 15 per cent 'should be' announced by Aug 1. Kuala Lumpur conceded on several issues including halal certification and the supply of rare earths, a critical mineral used in advanced technological applications. 'The call was made earlier this morning after it was proposed by the Americans just a few hours back,' said a top Malaysian government official with direct knowledge of the matter. According to several Malaysian trade and economic officials, KL is set to recognise US halal certification on several products, including pharmaceuticals. This move will likely remove the need for US products to validate their halal credentials with the Malaysian Islamic Development Department. Malaysia is also set to supply the US with rare earths elements. The country currently holds rare earths deposits of more 16 million tonnes that are worth an estimated RM1 trillion (S$302 billion). Rare earths ore mined in Malaysia are currently exported to China since Malaysia lacks the requisite technology to process it. Washington has made the pursuit of rare earths a key component of its national security strategy, as China dominates production of the mineral. Various forms of rare earths are used in a wide range of tech equipment from mobile phones and power generators to defence technology. Malaysia's equity quotas for bumiputeras -- a term used to collectively refer to its Malay majority and indigenous tribes -- was another controversial issue that emerged in Malaysia-US tariff talks. Removing such a key, long-standing aspect of Malaysian economic policy though, would not be politically tenable for the Anwar government. Top stories Swipe. Select. Stay informed. Asia Trump says US will set 15% tariff on South Korean imports under new deal Business US Fed holds rates steady despite Trump's pressure, with two governors dissenting Singapore Driver in 2024 Tampines crash that killed 2 set to plead guilty in October Multimedia 60 years, 60 items: A National Day game challenge Singapore $10 million Toto results to be announced on July 31, after no winners in last 3 draws Sport Ainslee Kwang, 14, becomes first Singaporean diver to qualify for World Aquatics C'ships semi-finals Multimedia Firefly-inspired light show at Gardens By The Bay's Supertree Grove Singapore Escape, discover, connect: Where new memories are made The Anwar-Trump phone call occurred after US Secretary of State Marco Rubio spoke with Malaysian Foreign Minister Mohamad Hasan on July 30 (US time) on the ceasefire that Kuala Lumpur facilitated over the ongoing Thailand-Cambodia border dispute. Mr Anwar facilitated the successful peace talks on July 28 afer Mr Trump threatened to halt tariff negotiations with Thailand and Cambodia unless they came to the table to end the two-month-long conflict which has killed dozens.
Malaysiakini
23-07-2025
- Health
- Malaysiakini
Delays on Jakim's end behind catering company's lack of halal cert: Zambry
PARLIAMENT | Higher Education Minister Zambry Abdul Kadir has highlighted the Islamic Development Department's (Jakim) delay in facilitating companies' applications for halal certification. The BN senator said this in clarifying a government audit's finding detailing that the Canselor Tuanku Muhriz Hospital (HCTM) had awarded a three-year RM25.64 million catering contract to a company that did not possess halal certification from Jakim.
