Malaysia introduces up to RM5,000 grant to help MSMEs obtain halal certification

During the presentation of the 2027 Budget, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim unveiled a matching grant of up to RM5,000 for micro, small and medium enterprises applying for halal certification for the first time. Dr Chin Chee Seong, national president of the Small and Medium Enterprise Association of Malaysia, explained that the subsidy would ease the financial burden on smaller firms and help them meet the requirements of supermarkets, major retail networks and the food-and-beverage sector, while also opening doors to overseas markets.

He stressed that halal certification alone is insufficient for export success and urged coordination with the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation, Halal Development Corporation Bhd and other relevant agencies to secure buyers and distribution channels. The Malay Chamber of Commerce Malaysia’s president echoed these views, highlighting the international credibility of halal marks issued by the Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (JAKIM). Together, officials view the grant as a catalyst for expanding Malaysia’s halal ecosystem and boosting sales for local producers.