Has JAKIM's strict halal compliance standards been compromised in exchange for US tariff reduction?
This follows a revelation by Religious Affairs Minister Datuk Dr Mohd Na'im Mokhtar yesterday (Aug 2) that the US has requested for JAKIM-accredited bodies to conduct halal standard compliance audit, ie for slaughter of cattle, instead of done directly by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia itself.
'I think the US really doesn't want JAKIM's involvement and wants to control the halal standard of their products with their own agencies,' penned PAS activist Nurul Islam Mohamed Yusoff on his Facebook page.
'Who is the US to direct Malaysia to do this, don't do that according to its whims and fancy? 'If this happens, we'll eventually have to accept as halal if they say it's halal. No question asked.'
It is learnt that JAKIM would appoint recognised foreign halal certification bodies and authorities (CB) in countries that come under its audit.
In the case of the US, the three appointed CBs are the (i) Islamic Food and Nutrition Council (IFANCA); (ii) Islamic Services of America (ISA); and (iii) American Halal Foundation (AHF).
For the record, Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz has denied claims that Malaysia has compromised its halal certification standards as part of on-going trade talks with the US.
Addressing allegations that Malaysia would lower its halal standards as a concession to the US yesterday (Aug 2), he also dismissed claims of exclusive deals with the Americans for rare earth minerals.
Dubious halal standards
Nurul Islam went on to express grave concern by pointing to an article entitled 'Halal Food Fraud in the USA: Challenges and Solutions' which exposed fraudulent practices in the US halal certification control processes.
'Imagine in the future, meat from the US with a halal label will be floating around the Malaysian market but their halal-ness are not guaranteed and the saddest thing is that JAKIM can't take action,' lamented the Central PAS Information Committee Research and Policy Department director.
'Pity Malaysians who may end up buying and consuming such problematic meat.'
'This is not to mention the various corrupt practices in the monopoly of supplying halal meat as happened in the meat supply to Egypt. Will Malaysia also face a similar issue one day?'
Interestingly, Nurul Islam further wondered how could Indonesia continue with its halal standards by requiring all imported products to have the Indonesian halal logo beginning 2026.
'Moreover, it (Indonesia) only faces a 19% tariff (down significantly from 32% previously). The US didn't even bother to touch implementation aspect of the Indonesian halal standards,' he hit out.
'I hope the Madani government maintains the existing JAKIM system to appoint CBs that they recognise and only allow recognised CBs to issue JAKIM halal certificates to companies there.
'This is a matter of Islamic law and religious principles. The last time I checked, Islam is still the official religion of Malaysia.' – Aug 3, 2025
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
4 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
South Africa eyes new markets after US tariffs
South Africa's President Cyril Ramaphosa emphasised that safeguarding export industries is the government's primary concern. (AP pic) JOHANNESBURG : South Africa is seeking new markets in Africa and Asia as it negotiates with the United States over looming 30% trade tariffs, which could cost around 30,000 jobs, officials said Monday. Government ministers expressed frustration with the US over the tariff – among those due to take effect against several countries later this week – saying South African exports do not compete with US industry and were only a fraction of that country's total imports. The 30% tariff is the highest in sub-Saharan Africa and comes as diplomatic relations between South Africa and the US are in tatters over a range of domestic and international policies. 'Our foremost priority is protecting our export industries,' president Cyril Ramaphosa said in his weekly newsletter. 'We will continue to engage the US in an attempt to preserve market access for our products. We must also accelerate the diversification of our export markets, particularly by deepening intra-African trade,' he said. The US is South Africa's second-largest trading partner by country after China. The tariffs will in particular hit South Africa's agriculture, automotive and textiles sectors, officials said, although 35% of exports are exempted, including copper, pharmaceuticals, semiconductors, lumber articles and certain critical minerals. The impact on growth depends on various factors, including the sourcing of alternative markets, foreign minister Ronald Lamola said in a statement. He cited forecasts that the impact may shave 0.2% off growth, which was only around 0.1% in the first quarter of this year. The South African Reserve Bank last week warned that the US levy could cost 100,000 jobs, with unemployment already at more than 30%. But trade department director general Simphiwe Hamilton told reporters Monday their estimate was that approximately 30,000 jobs could be affected. South Africa 'no threat' In a bid to avert the high tariff, South Africa has offered to import US liquefied natural gas and some US agricultural products, as well as invest in its mining and metals-recycling industries. Pretoria is focused on negotiations for a new deal despite the 'very extreme provocation' on the part of the US, Lamola told reporters. The 30% tariff was 'inscrutable' considering that imports from South Africa only represented 0.25% of total US imports, the minister said. 'Moreover, South Africa poses no trade threat to the US economy or its national security,' he said, arguing the imports supported US industry and did not compete with it. An example was that South African agriculture exports were 'counter-seasonal' and so filled gaps in the US market without replacing domestic produce, he said. Pretoria's plummeting ties with Washington and failure to reach a new trade deal have been heavily criticised at home, including by some of the parties in the coalition government who have accused Ramaphosa and his team of diplomatic missteps. On top of disagreements over a range of issues, including South Africa's case accusing Israel of genocide in Gaza at the International Court of Justice, Washington in March expelled Pretoria's ambassador after he criticised Trump's Make America Great Again (MAGA) movement. In his newsletter, Ramaphosa said the government has established a support desk that will help exporters and producers explore alternative markets in the rest of Africa, Asia and the Middle East. It will also push forward with plans for a free-trade area for the African continent, he said. The US announced last week 15% tariffs on exports from several sub-Saharan countries, including the export-reliant small mountain kingdom of Lesotho, which had initially been threatened with 50% tariffs.
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia does not sacrifice national interests for special treatment: Tengku Zafrul
KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia does not sacrifice national interests to obtain special treatment, Investment, Trade and Industry Ministry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz said, adding that bilateral negotiations with the United States recently maintained the country's unique policies. He said preserving the country's unique policies includes protections for strategic industries and Bumiputera provisions. 'The United States grants Malaysia equivalent rates because of the recognition of Malaysia's importance as a major trading partner and Malaysia's ability to offer quality trade and investment commitments, even without fully opening all sectors.' 'Malaysia also demonstrates its significant position as a stable, competitive, and trusted country in the global supply chain,' he told the Dewan Rakyat today during a ministerial briefing on reciprocal trade negotiations with the US. Tengku Zafrul emphasised that achieving the new rate demonstrated that developing countries like Malaysia can access international trade without succumbing to absolute liberalisation pressures. 'This model also serves as an example to regional countries that 'red lines' can be defended if the country is clear about its values, strategies, and commitments offered,' he said. On Aug 1, the new US tariff rate for Malaysia was announced at 19%, a six percentage point reduction compared to the rate announced on July 7. Meanwhile, Tengku Zafrul said Malaysia and the US are in the process of reaching an agreement on a joint statement that encompasses the outcomes of the negotiations and the commitments mutually agreed upon. 'This statement will be issued soon. Both sides will also continue discussions on the details of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement that needs to be ratified to ensure all commitments are implemented,' he added. The US is Malaysia's largest export destination, with an export value of RM198.65 billion, and one of Malaysia's main sources of foreign investment for 2024, amounting to RM32.82 billion. On a separate matter, Tengku Zafrul said the government only permits the importation of meat and meat products as well as poultry and poultry products that have obtained halal certificates from US halal certification bodies that comply with halal standards set by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim). He added that the government will not compromise on the matter and continues to uphold halal standards that adhere to syariah law in order to safeguard the interests of Muslim consumers in Malaysia. 'The facilitation being offered here only relates to the monitoring and verification carried out by US halal certification bodies recognised by Jakim,' he said. Tengku Zafrul stressed that claims Malaysia will just immediately recognise US halal certificates is baseless, misleading and malicious and do not reflect the actual facts agreed on in the negotiations. He noted that it was agreed during the negotiations to facilitate the process of certification and registration of facilities for the export of dairy, meat and meat products, as well as poultry and poultry products from the US to Malaysia based on domestic regulations that have been established. Both countries have also agreed to adopt the method of 'regionalisation' for animal disease control for the export of live poultry and poultry products from the US, in addition to facilitating the process of standards recognition and marketing of industrial products from the US such as automotive products, medical devices and pharmaceuticals based on domestic regulations set. The negotiations also saw both countries agreeing to enhance their commitments and enforcement on issues related to intellectual property rights, labour, the environment, and sustainable fisheries management based on Malaysia's commitments to relevant international organisations. During the ministerial briefing, Tengku Zafrul also explained that the acquisition of Boeing aircraft by Malaysia Aviation Group (MAG) is part of a long-term, phased plan to renew and expand the fleet's capacity. The minister emphasised that MAG's purchase of Boeing aircraft was not a decision made abruptly or due to tariff pressures. He said the decision was based on the need to replace the Boeing 737-800 planes, which have been in operation for an average of 14 years, to ensure the company's operational safety and sustainability. 'In 2016, MAG placed an initial order for 25 Boeing 737-8 MAX aircraft. Since November 2023, 13 planes have been received, with the remainder to be delivered progressively until 2027. 'On March 20, 2025, MAG finalised an additional order for 30 Boeing 737 MAX aircraft, with deliveries expected to take place from 2025 to 2035,' he told the Dewan Rakyat. Tengku Zafrul also mentioned that there are 30 more aircraft currently in the planning category, with decisions to be made based on MAG's future growth strategies and plans. 'The value of this acquisition covers not only the aircraft price but also includes engine costs, training, maintenance, and long-term support,' he added. Tengku Zafrul pointed out that Malaysia's aerospace industry would benefit from this decision, with Boeing having long been a key partner in the sector, including through Boeing Composites Malaysia (BCM) in Kedah, which supports Boeing's global supply chain and provides employment opportunities for local communities. 'Malaysian companies such as CTRM, Upeca, SME Aerospace, Plexus, and others are important suppliers of Boeing and Airbus components. Malaysia's aerospace industry contributed RM25.1 billion in 2024 and supports 30,000 jobs nationwide. 'At the same time, the country's tourism sector is showing a strong recovery, surpassing pre-pandemic levels. Boeing itself projects global passenger traffic growth of 4.7% annually over the next 20 years,' he said. Tengku Zafrul added that this investment in new aircraft enabled Malaysia to capitalise on the growth potential of both the tourism and aerospace industries. Under Section 6 of the Agreement on Reciprocal Trade – Commercial Considerations, Tengku Zafrul said the US encourages Malaysia to make purchases from and invest in the US, in an effort to reduce the bilateral trade deficit gap. Among the commitments made between Malaysia and the US are the purchase of Boeing aircraft by MAG worth US$19 billion (RM80.5 billion) and the purchase of goods by multinational companies for the semiconductor, aerospace and data centre sectors worth US$150 billion over a period of five years. He said the country also made purchases of liquified natural gas by Petronas worth US$3.39 billion per year; purchases of telecommunications products by Telekom Malaysia Bhd worth US$119 million; purchases of coal by Tenaga Nasional Bhd worth US$42.6 million per year; and cross-border investments in the US worth US$70 billion over a period of 10 years. – Bernama
The Sun
4 hours ago
- The Sun
Oasis Home targets RM10 million plus annual revenue from new halal health and wellness product line
PUCHONG: Oasis Home Holding Bhd expects to generate more than RM10 million in yearly revenue from its new halal health supplement and wellness product line developed under a joint venture with livestream marketing agency GIMCare (M) Sdn Bhd. CEO Datuk Jaden Teoh Yee Seang said the figure is based on performance benchmarks from GIMCare and its parent company, GIMmedia, which currently records RM30 million in gross merchandise value monthly across livestream and e-commerce channels. 'GIMCare is doing, in similar but not in the same category we're developing, over RM4 million to RM5 million in monthly revenue. So, if we're saying our yearly target is RM10 million, I think that's a comfortable and not exaggerating estimate. I think it's an attainable target,' he told reporters at the joint venture agreement signing ceremony today between Oasis Home's wholly owned subsidiary, Oasis Wellness International Sdn Bhd, and livestream marketing agency GIMCare (M). Teoh said the upcoming wellness range will prioritise strict regulatory compliance and halal certification. 'We are very good in sourcing the ingredients from overseas especially those who have trademark and also comes with clinical research, the ingredients of the supplements.' Teoh said the joint venture aims to tap into halal markets in Indonesia, Thailand and Vietnam, which have sizeable Muslim populations. 'For example, one of our guests today is from the Ministry of Health who works closely with counterparts in Thailand and Indonesia. If we meet the local requirements, adapting our products to regional markets will be straightforward,' he added. Teoh said Oasis Home's direct-to-consumer business model built on digital sales channels enables cost-efficiency and affordability. 'We don't pay rental or carry heavy operating costs. That's why we can offer premium wellness products at accessible prices. Wellness and healthcare don't have to be expensive but they must comply with regulatory standards.' The joint venture company, OG Alliance Sdn Bhd, will be incorporated with a start-up capital of RM500,000, with Oasis Wellness holding a 51% stake and GIMCare owning the remainder. GIMCare is a wholly owned subsidiary of GIMmedia Sdn Bhd, a multichannel network and top-tier livestream enabler recognised by platforms such as TikTok, Shopee and Lazada. The initial product pipeline includes marine collagen powder drinks, skin health supplements and children's immunity boosters. The products will be distributed via major platforms including TikTok, Shopee and Lazada. OG Alliance is expected to be incorporated by early September, with its first product launch scheduled for the end of the year. Teoh said digital platforms are driving growth in the wellness space, 'In July 2025, TikTok's wellness category alone recorded over RM80 million in monthly revenue. According to IMARC Group, Malaysia's health and wellness market is projected to grow from US$11.4 billion (RM48 billion) in 2024 to US$18 billion by 2033, at a compounded annual growth rate of 4.6%.'
