KUCHING: Slaughtering of animals on religious occasions is allowed provided exemption of licence or permit is obtained beforehand in the state.
In giving the reminder, Modernisation of Agriculture and Regional Development Minister Datuk Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said many mosques, surau and villagers are expected to perform the sacrificing ritual in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha on Today (July 10).
Under Section 61 (1) of the Veterinary Public Health Ordinance 1999 animals for the purpose of sale or public use must be slaughtered in a licensed house, he said.
‘’However, flexibility is given if the purpose of slaughter is for religious ceremonies,” he said, adding applications for licence exemptions or slaughtering permits must be submitted to the respective Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak offices.
Dr Rundi assured that there is sufficient number of cattle for Aidiladha in the state which needs 2,000 cows every year.
He also reminded that sacrificial animals placed at mosques, suraus or villages, must be taken care of well.
And a sharp machete must be used to slaughter the animals to avoid pain, he said
He also assured that the animals – cows and goats – to be sacrificed in the state are healthy and free from the food and mouth disease which is presently spreading across West Kalimantan, Indonesia.
The Veterinary Department has restricted animals from areas of FMD to Sarawak and also forbidden livestock imports from Indonesia, he added.
