Kuala lumpur: Not all requests from the United States involving aspects of digital trade and technology have been agreed to by Malaysia in the two countries’ countervailing trade tariff negotiations, said Minister of Investment, Trade and Industry Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Abdul Aziz. He stated that Malaysia remains steadfast in its policy that public service providers and social media platforms are still subject to criminal liability under Malaysian law.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia has asserted its right to request access to or order companies to transfer the source code of software used in critical infrastructure, government procurement, and the financial services sector, as well as in licensing and judicial matters. Tengku Zafrul emphasized Malaysia’s transparent and balanced commitment in two key areas: protecting companies’ intellectual property from forced technology transfer to promote innovation and fair competition, and preserving the country’s sovereignty, security, and economic stability.

He conveyed these points during a ministerial briefing on the reciprocal trade negotiations with the US at the Dewan Rakyat. Meanwhile, the new tariff rate for Malaysia was announced on August 1 to be 19 percent, reflecting a six percent decrease from the rate announced on July 7, 2025.