Penang is planning to build a slaughterhouse in every district to strengthen the livestock industry, improve food safety and ensure slaughtering is done in a more systematic, hygienic and syariah-compliant way.
State Rural Development, Agrotechnology and Food Security Committee chairman Datuk Rashidi Zinol said the initiative requires strategic collaboration among various departments to meet technical, public health, waste management, animal welfare and syariah compliance requirements.
“At present, slaughtering activities in several areas are still carried out on a small scale to meet local needs.”
“Although most operators comply with the established guidelines, the state government believes the time has come to adopt a more systematic and centralised approach to ensure uniform standards are implemented throughout the state,” he said in a statement.
The facilities would provide slaughtering services for cattle, goats and buffaloes, along with veterinary inspections, animal health monitoring, disease control, waste management and processing facilities that meet hygiene and food safety standards.
Every animal brought to the facilities would undergo veterinary inspections before and after slaughter to ensure only healthy livestock enters the consumer food supply chain.
Rashidi said the initiative would also strengthen compliance with halal slaughtering procedures through the involvement of the Penang State Islamic Religious Affairs Department in monitoring certified slaughterers, slaughtering methods and syariah requirements.
The facilities are expected to benefit livestock farmers and local entrepreneurs by reducing their reliance on limited slaughtering facilities located far from their operations.
Besides ensuring a safe and quality meat supply, the slaughterhouses could also spur the development of livestock-based downstream industries, including food processing, frozen products, packaging and halal logistics, creating jobs and boosting the income of local entrepreneurs.
Environmental sustainability has also been incorporated into the plan through more efficient waste management, water and air pollution control, and compliance with requirements set by local authorities and relevant agencies.
Engagement sessions would be held with livestock farmers, industry players, local authorities, technical agencies and other stakeholders to ensure the project is implemented smoothly and meets the needs of all parties.
Source: Bernama via The Malaysian Reserve
