A wrangle over slaughtering methods which saw Malaysia suspend beef imports from Australia has been resolved, with an Islamic body endorsing the Australian technique.

The National Fatwa Council ruled that thoracic sticking, which was an issue of contention in imports of halal meat from Australia, is permissable under Islamic rules, the Star newspaper said.

It quoted Islamic Development Department (Jakim) director-general Mustafa Abdul Rahman as saying the council made the decision on Nov 24 and that Jakim had also set a standard for carrying out the procedure.

Thoracic sticking, widely used in Australia, is a technique which involves stabbing the slaughtered cow near the heart to speed up its death.

"Jakim's MS1500 halal standard requires a slaughtered cow to be left for two minutes before the thoracic sticking takes place," Mustafa told the daily.

Beef imports suspended

Malaysia had suspended beef imports from several Australian abbatoirs amid concerns over the slaughtering method.

Malaysia imports about 10,000 tonnes of Australian beef per year. In 2004, it imported Australian meat and livestock products worth about RM250 million.

The slaughter issue has been part of talks between Australia and Malaysia aimed at concluding negotiations for a free trade agreement by mid-2006.