Melaka: Excess qurban (sacrificial) meat that would normally only last a few days can now be stored for up to two years through the Sunduk Qurban Project initiated by Melaka Islamic Religious Council (MAIM) together with Malaysian Dakwah Coalition (GDM) Melaka branch. MAIM Baitulmal manager Mohd Hairulamin Mohd Sis said the project, adopting vacuum-sealing and retort packaging technology, would ensure surplus qurban meat could be distributed in a more organised manner after Aidiladha with a longer shelf life while remaining clean and safe for the needy.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, more than 10,000 Muslim converts, asnaf, and poor groups in Melaka who are unable to collect meat at qurban programme locations due to distance factors will have the opportunity to enjoy it through outreach programmes to be organised later. Mohd Hairulamin announced that 4,000 packs of qurban meat had been targeted for collection this year compared with 3,200 packs or about three tonnes last year, with about 1.5 tonnes collected yesterday and another nine cattle processed and distributed by volunteers.

The Sunduk Qurban project was conceived by former Melaka Mufti Abdul Halim Tawil, and the meat will begin to be distributed a month after Aidiladha, with completion expected within six months. Part of the surplus will be processed into ready-to-eat meals such as rendang and kurma curry using retort technology. Previously, the processed meat served as emergency food aid, allowing for direct distribution to convert and poor families without reheating.

The Kasih Qurban Perdana Mualaf 2026 Programme gathered more than 50 volunteers from various dakwah and convert-related non-governmental organisations in the state under GDM Melaka branch. The programme not only strengthened ties among converts from different backgrounds but also reinforced the spirit of togetherness through the qurban ritual.