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Singapore

Not all mosques in S'pore may perform Korban ritual this October

Not all mosques in Singapore may be able to perform the annual sacrifice ritual, better known as Korban, in October due to a new regulatory framework set down by the Australian government in March.

Not all mosques in S'pore may perform Korban ritual this October

Yaacob Ibrahim

SINGAPORE: Not all mosques in Singapore may be able to perform the annual sacrifice ritual, better known as Korban, in October.

Minister-in-Charge of Muslim Affairs, Dr Yaacob Ibrahim said this follows a new regulatory framework set down by the Australian government in March.

The framework seeks to ensure that exported Australian livestock are treated in accordance with stipulated animal welfare standards.

From September, Australian exporters seeking a permit to export livestock to Singapore must comply with stringent requirements.

It was announced on the back of a viral video showing Australian cattle subjected to inhumane treatment in Indonesian abattoirs.

Dr Yaacob said Singapore imports livestock from Australia once a year during this period.

Dr Yaacob said this would have an impact on the supply and prices of Korban livestock as well as the number of participating mosques.

He was responding to a question by Member of Parliament for Marine Parade GRC, Associate Professor Fatimah Lateef.

Assoc Prof Fatimah had asked what plans are in place for the yearly Korban rites, in view of this framework.

He said the Islamic Religious Council of Singapore (MUIS) is working with the Agri-Food and Veterinary Authority of Singapore (AVA) to improve systems and processes for Korban.

This includes training of personnel involved in the rites, and ensuring all mosques offering Korban services have the necessary space and facilities.

Dr Yaacob added that 16 mosques have been audited. The audited results have been passed on to the Australian exporter to be submitted to Australian authorities.

Dr Yaacob said MUIS is hoping to clear 35 mosques this year.

MP for Chua Chu Kang GRC, Zaqy Mohamad, said the Muslim community usually carries out the Korban on its own.

He had raised concerns over having specialised personnel performing the ritual.

Dr Yaacob replied: "That is a very strict requirement by the Australian authorities for us to ensure that whoever doing the slaughtering either has the necessary experience or qualification.

"In fact, through the audits of the 16 mosques, we are able to gather all the possible slaughterers for this year's Korban, to undergo training and audit at the same time."

Dr Yaacob added: "We understand the sentiment on the ground, but unfortunately, we need to import livestock from Australia. And because of the requirements, we have to conform, because if we don't, we probably will not get anything from Australia."

Source: CNA/fa

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