Penang records rise in korban permits ahead of Aidiladha
GEORGE TOWN: Penang has recorded higher sacrificial slaughter permit applications ahead of Aidiladha, with more than 6,000 slated this year.
The Veterinary Services Department (DVS) said 1,398 External Slaughter Permits (PSL) had been issued so far compared with 1,057 permits last year, marking an increase of 341 permits or 32.26 per cent.
State DVS director Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab said the rise reflected greater community participation and increased organisation of korban activities across Penang.
“Overall, 6,107 livestock have been recorded for korban activities this year compared with 4,220 animals in 2025, an increase of 1,887 livestock or 44.72 per cent,” she said today.
Dr Saira Banu said the livestock comprised 5,476 cattle, 26 buffaloes, 542 goats, 57 sheep and six camels.
“Cattle remain the preferred choice for korban due to their suitability for meat distribution, participant capacity and current economic factors,” she added.
She said supplies of cattle and buffaloes involved both local and imported livestock, with imports necessary to stabilise supply and meet heightened demand during the Aidiladha season.
Among the factors affecting local livestock supply were rising feed prices, increased farm operating costs, limited farming areas, a decline in active breeders and animal disease challenges that could affect production and productivity, she added.
Dr Saira Banu said six camels would be used for korban activities in the northeast district this year, reflecting the growing diversity of livestock choices for the ritual in Penang.
She said the implementation of the External Slaughter Permit system was important to ensure korban activities complied with stipulated procedures and requirements, including veterinary health, animal welfare, slaughterhouse hygiene and food safety aspects.
“The permit also helps ensure livestock used for korban are healthy and fit for slaughter,” she said.
Dr Saira Banu added that veterinary officers and appointed meat inspectors would conduct ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections to ensure korban meat distributed to the public was safe for consumption and free from zoonotic diseases and contamination.
She also advised korban organisers to obtain permits from the department and ensure proper management of animals and slaughter waste in accordance with stipulated regulations to safeguard public wellbeing and environmental sustainability.
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المصدر: New Straits Times