The increased supply by next month is expected to bring down prices which have increased in recent months.

The Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry gave the green light to Indagro Food Ltd, Frigorifica Allana Ltd (Plant II), Al Noor Export and M.K. Overseas Private Ltd on Tuesday.

Officers from the Veterinary Services Department, Department of Islamic Development Malaysia (Jakim) and the Health Ministry were in India earlier this month to conduct inspections.

A Veterinary Services Department statement said the list of approved abattoirs in India stood at nine.

The abattoirs are expected to produce a total of 23,800 tonnes a month which exceeds the local demand of 9,000 tonnes.

Beef cost more from May when the ministry stopped using two abattoirs in India for not meeting halal and hygiene standards.

Source: New Straits Times