PENANG will allow the animal sacrificial rites (ibadah korban) to be held in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidiladha.

Deputy Chief Minister 1 Ahmad Zakiyuddin Abdul Rahman, who is also state Islamic Religious Council president, said this can only be carried out at mosques, surau compounds and slaughterhouses with strict adherence to the set standard operating procedures (SOP).

He said the number of animals to be slaughtered is subject to regulations and only 25 people are allowed to be involved in the activity.

“As for slaughterhouses under the jurisdiction of the local authorities, Veterinary Department and private companies, there is no limit on the number of sacrificial animals,” he said in a statement today.

“At mosques, only 10 cattle, buffaloes or camels and 20 (goats) are allowed, while at surau, five (cattle, buffaloes or camels) and 10 (goats) with a maximum of 25 volunteers.”

He said the Islamic Religious Council has also fixed that only five animals can be slaughtered at mosques and surau a day.

Zakiyuddin said participants are not allowed to be at the slaughter site and those involved must register online before performing the rites, adding that aqiqah is also not allowed.

He said mosque and surau organising committees must obtain permission from the district religious offices and ensure SOP compliance to curb Covid-19 transmission.

“Cooking is not allowed at the slaughter sites and the workers’ food must be packed while the sacrificial meat is to be distributed from house to house,” he said.

He said the police, Health Ministry, Veterinary Department, local authorities and Penang Islamic Religious Affairs Department will be monitoring to ensure all parties adhere to the SOP. – Bernama, June 19, 2021.