Singapore and Australia still working out a long term solution for Korban ritual

Singapore and Australia are still working out a long-term solution for the supply of sheep for the Korban ritual during Hari Raya Haji. 

The issue was discussed during a meeting between the prime ministers of both sides in Canberra today. 

The annual korban sacrifice in Singapore was nearly called off this year, due to stricter rules imposed by Australia on the handling of livestock by importing countries. 

16 mosques in Singapore were eventually audited to have met the new regulations. 

Singapore's Prime Minister Lee Hsien Loong thanked the Australian government for its cooperation, and added Singapore will have to work out in "practical terms" the safeguards that must be in place for handling the livestock. 

Both Mr Lee and Australia's Prime Minister Julia Gillard agreed that there will be further discussions on the issue. 

"That's something which is obviously still evolving but the Prime Minister said the Government does believe that Australia should continue to be exporting livestock, but of course there has to be suitable safeguards and the animal welfare will have to be looked into."

"As for the longer term arrangements, we have still got some work and discussions to do on that, but we have been able to respond for this year's festival."