5 days ago
Civil servant turns hobby into profitable Aidiladha cattle business
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PEKAN: What began as a hobby has turned into a profitable side income for a civil servant who now supplies dozens of cows for the Aidiladha sacrificial rites (ibadah korban) every year.
Abdul Jalil Abdul Aziz, 56, from Taiping, Perak, said his lifelong passion for animal farming had grown beyond expectations and now meets the annual demand from customers across several states.
"What makes me happiest is that my interest in livestock farming, which started nearly 30 years ago, has become a source of income," he said.
He said it all began after he watched his father raise five cows, which eventually inspired him to expand the herd and take the hobby more seriously.
"For this year's Aidiladha sacrificial rites, about 70 cows have been sold, not only in Kuantan and Pekan, but also in Terengganu and Perak."
Although competition among breeders is strong, he said there was still demand for cattle raised at his farm in Kampung Ubai, here.
On the rising cost of upkeep, Abdul Jalil admitted that the prices of straw and feed, sourced from several states, had increased, depending on the quality of the supplies.
However, he said breeders must be wise in securing the right feed for the animals.
"This is important because cows intended for korban must be in good condition and healthy to meet the religious requirements.
"One of the main challenges is ensuring the cattle are not only healthy, but also protected from disease."
Abdul Jalil added that he worked closely with the Pekan Veterinary Services Office to manage cattle health, including vaccinations and vitamin supplements.
"I'm thankful for the support I've received throughout this journey, especially from the Veterinary Department, friends, and my family," he said.
