Jakarta:The government has announced the provision of matching grants up to RM5,000 for micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) applying for halal certification for the first time, as stated by Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, who also serves as the Finance Minister, presented Budget 2027 in the Dewan Rakyat. The RM25,000 grant is aimed at empowering halal MSMEs in industries such as cosmetics and pharmaceuticals.

Additionally, Employees Provident Fund (EPF) members choosing the Shariah savings scheme will have the option to pay zakat directly from their dividends, similar to the services offered by Permodalan Nasional Bhd (PNB) and Lembaga Tabung Haji.

Furthermore, Malaysia continues to hold its position as one of the largest sukuk markets globally. To promote sustainable Shariah-compliant financing, issuers of Sukuk Prisma will be eligible for a tax deduction on issuance costs approved by the Securities Commission from 2027 to 2030.

Grants obtained under the Sustainable and Responsible Investment (SRI) Sukuk Scheme and the Bond Grant will benefit from an income tax exemption starting January 1, 2027.