More fulfilled their ʻhajatʼ for Aidiladha this year
NUR IFTITAH ROZLAN
SHAH ALAM - After two years of Aidiladha being celebrated in a limited atmosphere following the Movement Control Order (MCO) to curb the spread of the Covid-19 virus, the sacrificial ritual “qorban” is expected to be celebrated in a more lively atmosphere this year.
Muslims all over the country can't wait to perform the ‘sunnah muakkad’ as there are no more restrictions.
Interestingly, this time, various ways are done by the public to celebrate the sacrificial ritual, including the committee of Surau Nurul Huda in Taman Tasek Putra, Tronoh in Perak collecting money using the ‘kutu system’ to give more opportunities to the less fortunate to participate in the ritual.
Also getting attention is a Charolais breed cow weighing more than one tonne among the 24 cows that will be sacrificed by the Kuala Terengganu Parliament Office on Hari Raya Aidiladha later.
According to the Veterinary Services Department (DVS), the demand for cattle and buffaloes for sacrificial worship nationwide this year is estimated to reach 38,265.
DVS deputy Director-General Dr Akma Ngah Hamid said the number increased compared to only 1,278 cows and buffaloes sacrificed last year.
She said the number of goats and sheep sacrificed this year also increased to 21,707 compared to 226 last year.
“After taking into account the needs of mosques, suraus and slaughterhouses, it is estimated that the demand for cows and buffaloes for sacrifice is 38,265.
"The estimated price of cows and buffaloes is between RM19 to RM22 per kilogram (kg), while goats and sheep are between RM30 to RM35 kg," she told Sinar on Thursday.
Abattoir License
Akma said a total of 27 departmental slaughterhouses throughout Peninsular Malaysia were ready to operate.
She said ten of the slaughterhouses met the requirements of the Export Supply Chain Assurance System (ESCAS) for the purpose of slaughtering livestock from Australia.
"Until this year, DVS has issued licenses to 35 private ruminant slaughterhouses throughout Peninsular Malaysia and can provide slaughtering services for sacrificial purposes," she said.
She said slaughtering outside slaughterhouses such as in mosques, schools, housing estates and public places was given permission through permit applications.
She also said the permit could be obtained at departmental slaughterhouses as well as state and district veterinary services departments.
“Livestock Transfer Permission Document and Veterinary Health Certificate (SKV) must be available for all livestock for the purpose of sacrificial slaughter.
"DVS has also published the Guidelines for the Slaughter of Sacrificial Livestock as a guide," she added.
Akma also stated that the veterinary enforcement team and authorities also conducted road inspections to ensure that only sacrificial animals that were moved or brought to the slaughterhouse had a valid transfer permit.
"Meat Inspection Officers are stationed at the slaughterhouse to ensure that the meat that comes out of this place is safe for consumers," she said.
