Ismail Sabri: Sacrifice rites allowed for Hari Raya Aidiladha, but SOPs apply

PUTRAJAYA: The government will allow korban activities (sacrifice rites) to be held during the Hari Raya Aidiladha celebration, with standard operating procedures (SOPs) in place that must be strictly adhered to.

Senior Minister (Security) Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob said for one, this activity can only be done within the compounds of mosques, surau or areas permitted by the relevant religious authorities.

“This permission is allowed in the Federal Territories during Hari Raya Aidiladha. For other states, it is up to the religious authorities to determine.

“Those taking part in the korban must follow the SOP that has been outlined by the Islamic Development Department, including not allowing children under the age of 12 to be present at the premises where the sacrifices are being made, ” he said in his regular briefing here Wednesday (June 24).

Aidiladha commemorates the sacrifices made by the Prophet Ibrahim (hence the word “korban” or sacrifice in Arabic), who demonstrated immense faith when he was put to the test by God.

During Aidiladha, the sacrifice of four-legged animals such as lambs, goats, cows, bulls and camels is performed.

Ismail said among SOPs that must be followed is to have a registration counter at the entrance of the premises where sacrificial activities are held, where temperatures are recorded and participants registered.

The 250 people maximum capacity must also be observed, and organisers must provide participants with hand sanitisers.

Ismail said for each cow being sacrificed, not more than 30 people can be involved from slaughtering the animal to cutting the meat, packaging and distributing it.