Fisheries and Livestock State Minister Sultan Salauddin Tuku on Saturday urged citizens to buy Shariah-compliant sacrificial animals from legitimate domestic sources instead of choosing smuggled livestock ahead of Eid-ul-Adha.
He made the remarks while speaking to journalists after inspecting Gabtoli cattle market in the capital in the morning ahead of the major Muslim festival, reads a press release.
“Religious experts and Muftis can better explain the validity of sacrificing illegally imported or smuggled animals. However, I urge everyone to buy animals from legal sources to ensure the sacrifice aligns with Shariah principles,” Tuku said.
Emphasising the spiritual significance of the festival, he said Qurbani is performed solely to attain the satisfaction of Almighty Allah. Therefore, everyone must remain conscious to ensure that the sacrifice is completed properly and through halal means.
The state minister said medical centres have been set up at cattle markets to provide healthcare services for livestock. Arrangements have also been made for immediate treatment of sick animals, fever check-ups, and the supply of necessary medicines.
Officials and veterinarians from the Department of Livestock Services (DLS) are working round-the-clock at the cattle markets to address any animal health risks swiftly, he added.
He said around 1.23 crore sacrificial animals are ready across the country this year against an estimated demand of nearly 1.01 crore, leaving a surplus of about 22 lakh animals. Under these circumstances, there is no need to import cattle from abroad, he said.
“To protect the interests of our local farmers, surveillance along the borders has been intensified. In coordination with law enforcement agencies, stringent measures have been taken to prevent the illegal entry of livestock,” he added.
He further said the government remains vigilant to eliminate irregularities in market management, ensure the safety of buyers and sellers, and prevent fraud. Special arrangements and necessary equipment have been deployed to detect counterfeit notes, alongside the active presence of law enforcement personnel on the ground.
Director General of the Department of Livestock Services Md Shahzaman Khan, Director Md Boyzar Rahman, and senior officials of the ministry and department, among others, were present.
