A local company, Asia Harvest Agro is offering a package of wagyu beef for ‘korban’ (animal sacrificial rites) in conjunction with Hari Raya Aidildha for RM29,999 for one share.

Its managing director, Najib Jalil, said the package was launched yesterday after the company received views from various parties including religious experts.

He acknowledged that he had received criticisms from various parties, especially among the virtual community after the launch.

"The criticisms received was when they questioned the purpose of the charity and why not do regular slaughter that could have more cows for the ‘korban’.

"However, there are also responses from dignitaries and associations who wish to join the ‘korban’," he said when contacted by Astro AWANI on Monday.

According to Najib, who has been a supplier of wagyu beef from Australia and Japan, his company also offers regular beef packages for ‘korban’ through cooperation with several parties.

He said the package had been done before.

"This time I was called to offer wagyu cows for ‘korban’ and had already obtained approval from a halal slaughterhouse recognized by Jakim (Department of Islamic Development Malaysia) in Japan.

"The purpose is to provide a platform for people who could afford sacrificing the best bulls in the world," he said.

According to Najib, the process of slaughtering a wagyu cow weighing 800 kilograms will be carried out on the first and third holidays of Aidiladha in the next 10 to 15 days.

"There is a procedure for storing (meat) but within 10 to 15 days of the month of Zulhijjah, the meat will reach Malaysia.

"We don't use ships but because the value of the meat is so expensive, we use aircraft," he said, targeting about five wagyu cows to be sacrificed this year.