SETIU: Despite efforts to boost demand for local cattle for 'ibadah korban', orders have been declining year after year.
Farmer Mohd Hasrul Helmi Ariffin, 36, said he was concerned that the increase in cattle imports from neighbouring countries could affect the local cattle market.
He said demand for local cattle this year fell almost 70 per cent compared with last year.
"I've only sold about 10 cattle this year, compared with about 40 in the past as we near Hari Raya Aidiladha.
"In the past, orders would close about a month before the holiday. But this year, demand for cattle is still low a few weeks before Aidiladha," he said in Kampung Pengkalan Merbau recently.
He said using social media to market local cattle has not been very successful.
Farmer Abdul Basir Mamat, 32, said customers preferred to buy cattle priced under RM4,000.
He said cattle from neighbouring countries were usually cheaper than local cattle, which were priced between RM5,000 and RM8,000 per cattle.
He said although they were cheaper, he was worried that smuggled cattle could spread diseases to local livestock.
"It cannot be denied that uncertain economic conditions are driving people to opt for lower prices.
"As cattle farmers, we have to bear the costs if we cannot sell the cattle in time for 'korban'."