Malaysia Can Revoke JAKIM Recognition for US Halal Certifiers if Standards Breached

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 6 – Malaysia can revoke recognition by JAKIM of two halal certification bodies in the United States (US) if they violate the country’s halal standards or protocols.

Minister in the Prime Minister’s Department (Religious Affairs) Datuk Dr Mohd Na’im Mokhtar said under Article 2.5 of the Reciprocal Trade Agreement (ART) with the US, any foreign halal certification body is fully subject to Malaysian Syariah procedures and halal standards.

He added that the halal logo issued to recognised certification bodies is for administrative purposes to facilitate approvals, while all auditing, monitoring and final verification are fully under JAKIM’s control.

“During audits conducted by JAKIM, if any violations are found, the department can withdraw recognition from the certified body,” he noted during the winding up of the debate on the Supply Bill (Budget) 2026 at the committee stage in Parliament on Wednesday.

Regarding Muslim Friendly Watch (MFW), Mohd Na’im said the body had been ordered to immediately cease using any halal logo or statements related to ‘Muslim Choice’ that could mislead the public.

MFW has officially decided to dissolve itself under the Societies Act 1966 following public attention on the issue.