KUALA LUMPUR: The country’s halal standards have not been compromised under the reciprocal trade agreement, says International Trade and Industry Minister Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz.
He said only halal products certified by United States bodies recognised by Jakim will be allowed for import.
“I wish to emphasise that any claims that Malaysia is compromising on halal matters are completely unfounded. Under this agreement, the approval process for storing halal products from the US remains unchanged,” he said.
“They must comply with Malaysia’s halal standards and relevant trade requirements for commercial purposes within Malaysia,” added Tengku Zafrul in a special ministerial briefing in the Dewan Rakyat on Wednesday (Oct 29).
Tengku Zafrul said Jakim’s recognition of any US halal certification body is subject to rigorous audit and verification.
He added that the process assesses capability and compliance with Malaysia’s halal standards, adding that control, criteria and halal expertise remain strictly under Jakim’s jurisdiction.
“There will be absolutely no relaxation of Malaysia’s halal policies or procedures. If parties attempt to alarm the public by claiming our halal standards will be dictated by others, that is not true,” said Tengku Zafrul.
“Malaysia’s halal standards are determined by Malaysia, certified by Jakim and safeguarded by the Muslim community in this country,” he added.
