BUSINESS • 09/10/2026 05:26 PM

Govt Continues To Strengthen Islamic Economy, Offers Up To RM5,000 Matching Grants To MSMEs For Halal Certification

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 9 (Bernama) -- The government has agreed to provide matching grants of up to RM5,000 to micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) seeking halal certification for the first time, said Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

While tabling Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat today, Anwar, also Finance Minister, said the RM25,000 grant aims to empower halal MSMEs in sectors such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

In addition, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members who opt for the Shariah savings scheme can also pay zakat directly from their dividends, mirroring the facilities available at Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and Lembaga Tabung Haji.

Meanwhile, the Prime Minister said Malaysia has maintained its position as one of the world's largest sukuk markets.

“To encourage sustainable Shariah-compliant financing, issuers of Sukuk Prisma are eligible for a tax deduction on issuance costs approved by the Securities Commission for the years of assessment 2027 to 2030.

“Grants received under the SRI (Sustainable and Responsible Investment) Sukuk Scheme and the Bond Grant will be granted an income tax exemption starting Jan 1, 2027,” he said.