April 17, 2007

Malaysia to review suspension of meat imports from New Zealand

Malaysia is mulling a review of the suspension of imports of meat and meat products from New Zealand if it fulfils the proper Malaysian halal principles in its meat production, according to Malaysian Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Minister Muhyiddin Yassin.

Malaysia will send an inspection team to visit seven beef abattoirs in New Zealand from April 19 to 28 at the request of relevant authorities in that country, Muhyiddin said.

He suggested that New Zealand authorities should ensure that the country's meat and meat products comply with halal standards and procedures.

Malaysia has suspended the import of meat products from New Zealand since 2005 due to the thoracic sticking and electric immobilization used during slaughtering process by abattoirs in New Zealand, a violation in the halal procedures approved earlier by Malaysia's National Fatwa (Edicts) Council.

The council, however, recently ruled the slaughter of animals using the thoracic sticking procedure is allowable provided it is subject to certain requirements.