Under the original policy, permits needed to be reviewed on an annual basis, with stringent audits carried out each year.

The amendment saw the renewal period for abattoirs in India extended from one to three years.

A source familiar with the matter had voiced concern that the policy tweak would be “detrimental” to minister Salahuddin Ayub as well as the government if the quality of meat and halal requirements were in any way affected.

The source also said the certification of four more abattoirs in India could affect local producers.

But Alyaa Azhar, who is Salahuddin’s press secretary, said the minister was aware of the policy change.

She said the extension of renewal period was aimed at standardising the industry as there are presently different periods for each exporting country.

She added that it had been difficult for DVS to visit the abattoirs in India every year.

“Previously, it was only India where the requirement to audit was done annually. But DVS must visit up to 24 countries altogether,” she said.

“When it became difficult for them to go to the abattoirs in India, there were many complaints from those who asked why DVS did not carry out annual audits in India.”

Alyaa said extending the renewal period would not compromise the quality of produce or halal requirements as DVS would be able to carry out audits at any point in the three years.

She likewise rubbished concerns over the certification of more foreign abattoirs, saying it would not affect local players as they cater to different markets.

She said buffalo meat imported from India was frozen while local players produce fresh cattle meat.

“Frozen buffalo meat is very cheap compared to fresh cattle meat. Frozen meat is priced at around RM16 per kg while cattle meat from Malaysia is around RM32 per kg,” she said.

She added that the certification of more foreign abattoirs would only encourage competition which might help bring down prices.