Kuala lumpur: The United States is poised to announce the results of its investigation into Malaysia's alleged excess capacity within the next three to four weeks, according to Investment, Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Johari Abdul Ghani.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Minister Johari stated that the investigation is nearing completion as Malaysia continues discussions with the US regarding the definition of excess capacity. "They have almost finalised the excess capacity investigation. I think we are already done on the forced labour issue. On excess capacity, this is where we need to engage. I will continue to explain to them that we do not have excess capacity," he remarked after his keynote address at the 43rd MAJECA-JAMECA Joint Conference.

Johari expressed concern that the US's definition might include capacity from third countries, which complicates Malaysia's position. "Whatever excess capacity, their definition includes the third country. That is where we need to manage. So, it is still a work in progress," he explained. The US has indicated that the investigation needs about three to four weeks for legal clearance before an official announcement can be made.

In his earlier keynote address, Johari outlined that the current 10 percent tariff is part of a broader US action under Section 301 of the Trade Act 1974, affecting 60 economies, with Malaysia among 17 economies subjected to the lower tariff rate. "Imagine, we were selected for 10 percent, but we did a lot of engagement. We engaged the US and explained to them we don't have excess capacity," he added.

MAJECA is the Malaysia-Japan Economic Association, while JAMECA stands for the Japan-Malaysia Economic Association.