August 9, 2007

Malaysia to remove ban on New Zealand beef imports

Malaysia is to lift a two-year ban on New Zealand beef imports to break up a monopoly of local cartels, an official said Wednesday (August 8).

Malaysian beef market has been controlled by cartels since the ban was imposed in 2005 due to Halal slaughtering concerns.

According to the Malaysian halal standard, only electrical stunning to the head is allowed, which some animal rights activists had described as cruel.

Aziz Jamaluddin, head of the veterinary services department, said allowing New Zealand beef would open up the industry and allow prices to be more competitive.

Aziz said aside from New Zealand, the country is also exploring beef abattoirs in Australia, India, Brazil, Uruguay, Argentina, Sudan, Kenya and Zimbabwe.

Malaysia imports about 7,500 tonnes of beef monthly, with the annual bill at some 840 million ringgit (US$242.87 million).

Before the ban, New Zealand beef accounted for between five and eight percent of Malaysia's market.