Some 250 beneficiaries receive meat from first korban at Pertapis Halfway House in 11 years

SINGAPORE - About 150 sheep were slaughtered in the ritual sacrifice for Hari Raya Haji held at Pertapis Halfway House on June 17.

Muslims mark the holiday with prayers and the korban ritual, in which livestock is slaughtered in an act of worship and the meat is distributed to worshippers and the poor.

The meat was distributed to 250 beneficiaries at the event, held at the halfway house in Geylang.

12-year-old Muhammad Alif Abdul Rahim touching a sheep at Pertapis Halfway House on June 17, 2024. He said the event helped him to reflect and be thankful for food.  ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

The live korban returned to Pertapis after an 11-year hiatus. Previously, the livestock was slaughtered in Australia, and the meat frozen and shipped to Singapore.

In total, there were about 270 volunteers and staff, and the 20 who carried out the slaughter went on a course in Malaysia to be certified by the Islamic Development Department Malaysia, or Jakim.

A volunteer handing out korban meat to a beneficiary on June 17, 2024. ST PHOTO: SHINTARO TAY

Minister of State for Home Affairs andNational Development Muhammad Faishal Ibrahim, the guest-of-honour, witnessed the korban ritual and distributed the meat to the beneficiaries.

Associate Professor Faishal said: “I am very happy to join Pertapis Halfway House this morning to witness the live korban event. These are very important efforts to assist the vulnerable in the community and to let them know that they are not alone in this journey.”

Pertapis chief executive officer Firdaus D’Cruz said: “This occasion will allow us to uphold the cherished tradition and reinforce the values of compassion and generosity that lie at the heart of our community and foster stronger bonds.”