Teresa Kok Wins Halal Certification Defamation Suit in Melaka

Malaysia’s High Court in Melaka ordered Umno Youth chief Datuk Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh on October 19, 2026 to pay DAP’s Teresa Kok RM250,000 in damages plus RM50,000 in costs, according to Bernama and The Star. The defamation suit stemmed from his September 2024 remarks during the row over mandatory halal certification.

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Isa Aziz Ibrahim delivered the ruling on Monday, October 19, according to Bernama, awarding the sum as general and aggravated damages. Kok, the Seputeh MP, filed the suit on October 25, 2024, per Bernama. The remarks were made in a TikTok video posted on September 7, 2024, according to The Star and Bernama.

What the Court Ordered

Beyond the money, the High Court issued two injunctions, according to Bernama: a restraining order preventing Akmal from publishing further defamatory statements against Kok, and a mandatory injunction requiring removal of the statements from all social media platforms. The Star reported that he has 7 days to take the offending posts down.

Bernama said the judge cited Kok’s “25-year standing as a sixth-term MP” and “the defendant’s persistent refusal to retract” as factors in awarding damages. Three witnesses testified during the proceedings, per The Star. Kok’s counsel was Datuk Sankara Nair, and Akmal was represented by Syahrul Syazwan Salehin. Sankara said the judgment showed the legal limits of political criticism, according to The Star.

The Remarks Behind the Suit

Per The Star, Kok alleged the remarks “insulted and belittled” her, portraying her as “lacking knowledge of halal certification and opposing government policies on Islamic practices.” Free Malaysia Today reported that Akmal responded to her September 2024 comments by calling her an “old nyonya” and suggesting a “non-halal” label be placed on her forehead. The New Straits Times said the statements cited in the suit included two published headlines carrying those remarks.

The Certification Policy Debate

The remarks came after a September 2024 proposal from JAKIM, presented by Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar, to make halal certification mandatory for restaurants and food companies that do not serve pork or alcohol, according to SAYS. SAYS also reported that Na’im suggested the mandate after JAKIM confirmed several restaurant chains lacked halal certification. At the time, Malaysia didn’t have a law requiring it, and certification was voluntary, per SAYS. Our guide to the JAKIM certification process explains how applications work.

Kok questioned the idea, according to Free Malaysia Today, cautioning that it could burden smaller operators. SAYS quoted her as saying a mandate would “burden businesses, including those operated by Muslims” and “hinder consumers’ freedom of choice.” She argued, per SAYS, that “applying for halal certifications should be voluntary, allowing entrepreneurs to decide based on market demand.” Our separate guide covers what certification costs in Malaysia.

Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim, as quoted by SAYS, said: “There’s no need to create unnecessary controversy within our society. Certain regulations are needed to give Muslims peace of mind.” In the same month, SAYS reported that Akmal called Kok “the laughingstock of the country” and invited her to sue him, and that more than 50 police reports had been filed against Kok.

What Happens Next

Akmal’s lawyer, Syahrul Syazwan Salehin, said he needed to advise his client before deciding on further action, according to Free Malaysia Today. In the meantime, the removal order reported by The Star gives Akmal 7 days to take down the posts, and the court has barred him from repeating the statements.

Frequently Asked Questions

What was Malaysia’s 2024 mandatory halal certification proposal?

In September 2024, Religious Affairs Minister Mohd Na’im Mokhtar presented a JAKIM proposal to require halal certification for restaurants and food businesses that do not serve pork or alcohol, according to SAYS. At the time, the same outlet reported, no Malaysian law required certification, so it was voluntary.

Why did Teresa Kok sue Akmal Saleh?

Kok alleged his remarks insulted and belittled her, according to The Star. She alleged they portrayed her as lacking knowledge of halal certification and opposing government policies on Islamic practices. The remarks followed her September 2024 comments questioning the mandatory certification proposal.

How much did the court award Teresa Kok?

Judicial Commissioner Datuk Isa Aziz Ibrahim awarded RM250,000 in general and aggravated damages and RM50,000 in costs, according to Bernama and The Star. The same ruling restrains Akmal from repeating the statements and orders their removal from social media.

What did Teresa Kok say about mandatory halal certification?

According to SAYS, Kok argued that a mandate would burden businesses, including Muslim-run ones, and limit consumers’ freedom of choice. She said certification should stay voluntary so entrepreneurs could decide based on market demand.