Live cattle import: M’sia, Thailand reach agreement

PUTRAJAYA – Malaysia and Thailand have agreed to ease the import activities of live cattle to fulfil the demands for Hari Raya Aidiladha in the country.

Veterinary Services Department through a statement today said the has the measure was achievable with improvised technical procedures of importation.

“This includes the quarantine period in Malaysia was reduced to three days,” the statement read.

According to the department, importers and breeders were advised to follow the veterinary health requirements that were agreed upon the simplified technical procedures.

“All personnel involved were advised to obtain the letter of transferring livestock between states for observation purposes, as well as external slaughter permit for the qurban purposes outside of the cattle slaughterhouses,” he said.

The department added the document could be applied from the nearby state or district veterinary service offices.

“This action is significant for the veterinary service officers to observe and check-in to make sure the qurban live stocks are free from disease and the carcasses and meat that will be distributed are safe to be consumed,” the department said.

Previously, the department had suspended the import of cattle and buffalos from Thailand since July 7, last year, after it observed the risk of transmission of Lumpy Skin Disease (LSD) reported in more than 41 regions in Thailand.

Last year, Malaysia imported more than 12,405 cows from Thailand in conjunction with the Aidiladha celebration compared to 12,553 cows in 2020.