Penang: The Penang Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) has issued 1,398 outside slaughter permits (PSL) this year to mosques, surau, corporate bodies, and sacrificial rites (ibadah korban) organisers across the state in conjunction with Aidiladha. Its director, Dr Saira Banu Mohamed Rejab, announced that a total of 6,107 livestock were recorded for sacrificial activities this year, marking a notable increase compared to the 4,220 recorded in 2025, which translates to an increase of 1,887 animals or 44.72 percent.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Saira Banu highlighted that there has been a significant rise in the issuance of PSLs, with 1,398 permits granted this year compared to 1,057 in 2025. This represents an increase of 341 permits or 32.26 percent, indicating heightened public participation and a surge in ibadah korban activities in Penang this year. The livestock breakdown for the current year includes 5,476 cattle, 542 goats, 57 sheep, 26 buffaloes, and six camels.
Dr Saira Banu explained that the strong demand, particularly for cattle, demonstrates that cattle remain the preferred choice for sacrificial rituals. This preference is driven by factors such as ease of distribution, participant capacity, and current economic conditions. The supply of cattle and buffalo for sacrificial rites comprises both local and imported livestock, with imports playing a critical role in stabilizing supply to meet the heightened demand during the Aidiladha season, especially when local production falls short.
She further elaborated on the challenges affecting local livestock supply, citing rising feed costs, increased farm operating expenses, limited grazing areas, a decline in the number of active farmers, and animal diseases that can impact production and productivity. The PSL issuance is vital to ensure that sacrificial activities adhere to established procedures and requirements, which encompass veterinary health standards, animal welfare, slaughter hygiene, and food safety.
The permit system also serves to confirm the health and fitness of livestock for slaughter, with appointed veterinary officers and meat inspectors conducting thorough ante-mortem and post-mortem inspections. Dr Saira Banu urged all ibadah korban organisers to obtain the necessary PSL and to ensure that livestock handling and slaughter waste management are conducted properly and in accordance with stipulated requirements.