Halal rules non-negotiable in US tariff talks, says Tengku Zafrul
PETALING JAYA : Malaysia's halal certification standards are among the non-negotiable issues in ongoing tariff negotiations with Washington, says investment, trade and industry minister Tengku Zafrul Aziz.
He said if the US wanted to have its halal certification recognised, it must comply with the guidelines set by the Islamic development department (Jakim), Berita Harian reported.
'The guidelines we've drawn up reflect lessons from past experiences,' he told the Dewan Rakyat during question time.
'If their halal standards are in line with Jakim's requirements, and the process is consistent with what we accept from other countries, then we can agree (to it), but Jakim must recognise it.'
Tengku Zafrul was responding to a question from Syahir Sulaiman (PN-Bachok), who asked about the clear boundaries or 'red lines' Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim recently said would not be crossed during the negotiations.
The Office of the US Trade Representative (USTR) previously cited Malaysia's halal import rules and Bumiputera equity requirements as barriers leading to the 24% tariff initially imposed on April 2.
In its 2025 National Trade Estimate Report on Foreign Trade Barriers, the USTR said Malaysia's halal standards exceeded international norms, requiring dedicated halal-only facilities and involving complex registration processes, which raised costs and delayed exports.
Tengku Zafrul also said Malaysia's negotiation approach would be shaped by past experiences, taking into account both local sensitivities and US concerns.
He emphasised that the government remains open to fair and constructive dialogue, but certain matters were not up for compromise.
'These include the Bumiputera policy in terms of local ownership and participation in strategic sectors, as well as the preference for local and Bumiputera companies in government procurement. Those are red lines,' he added.
Tengku Zafrul reiterated that Malaysia would not yield on matters of trade sovereignty, national interest, or socioeconomic policy, whether in talks with the US or with multinational corporations.
'All of this is to protect Bumiputera interests and ensure balanced national economic development,' he added.
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