This came about after the Malaysian agriculture and health ministries, as well as the Department of Islamic Development (Jakim), gave their approval to two processing plants in Japan.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Ahmad Shabery Cheek said the beef imports last year were worth about RM2 million.

“It caters to a targeted group in the super-premium range.

“We import a lot of beef but among the various varieties, Wagyu beef is like diamonds,” Shabery said at the Japanese Wagyu Beef Seminar and Information Exchange, organised by the Japan Livestock Products Export Promotion Council here today.

He said the air-flown meat cost RM2,000 per kg onwards, depending on the grade.

Shabery said Malaysia hoped the Comprehensive and Progressive Trans-Pacific Partnership (TPP) Agreement would improve trade between Japan and Malaysia, particularly in the expansion of the variety of agriculture products to be exported to Japan.

“Currently, mangosteen, pineapple and duck meat are exported to Japan. We also hope to export durians to Japan,” he said.

Meanwhile, Japan Wagyu Export Promotion Committee director Tsuyoshi Hishinuma said there was no difference in terms of quality for halal and non-halal Wagyu beef.

“Contrary to perception, the Wagyu breed is not fed with beer,” Hishinuma said during the briefing.