PETALING JAYA: The US trade deal cannot alter or diminish the Islamic development department’s authority as the sole national body responsible for halal certification, says Amanah deputy president Mujahid Yusof Rawa.
The former Islamic affairs minister said that under the Malaysia-US Reciprocal Trade Agreement, Malaysia has only agreed to streamline import procedures for food and agricultural products, and not to dilute its halal standards.
“Amanah is of the opinion that the halal issue must be viewed through the lens of siyasah syar‘iyyah – the governance of public affairs guided by wisdom (hikmah) and public interest (maslahah).
“In this framework, the government bears the responsibility of achieving economic benefits for the people without compromising the principles of Islamic law,” he said in a statement.
Mujahid’s comments come after Perikatan Nasional secretary-general and former international trade and industry minister Azmin Ali said the deal weakens Malaysia’s halal certification system by recognising foreign certifiers.
While Mujahid did not speak in support of Azmin’s comments, he urged the government to ensure that every foreign halal certificate seeking recognition here obtains Jakim’s approval and remains on the official Foreign Halal Certification Bodies list.
“Malaysia must uphold the doctrine of ‘halal sovereignty’ – full national control over halal labelling, the sourcing of raw materials, and the integrity of the food supply chain entering the country.
“Engagement with any global power, including the US, must therefore be guided by flexibility in economic dealings, but strict adherence in matters of faith and halal observance,” he said.
Mujahid also welcomed the establishment of the National Halal Compliance Council to evaluate technical issues regarding products imported from the US.
“This effort not only strengthens public trust among Muslim consumers, but also positions Malaysia as a global halal excellence hub of the Islamic world,” he said.
He urged the government to also improve the halal industry through “more aggressive digitisation” to address concerns that an imminent flood of imported US goods would overwhelm the industry’s ability to enforce standards.
“The latest technology in artificial intelligence and effective data storage will help reduce the manual workload,” he said.
Mujahid also suggested that legislation on halal labelling be amended to prevent manipulation of standards, “especially if imported US goods begin to flood local markets”.
“So far, halal label use is only enforced via trade-related Acts under the domestic trade and cost of living ministry,” he noted.
