Cambodia will have to wait until October to process Australian beef as customs is holding up machinery for the country’s first modern slaughterhouse, a representative from a local firm said yesterday.

Hor Sim Leang, managing director of SLN Meat Supply, said the firm had already finished building the $15 million abattoir in Preah Sihanouk province’s Prek Toal village and that installing the machinery was the final step before starting production.

Sim Leang had earlier told the Post that the abattoir would be launched in May.

“There is a problem with the machinery at customs. It is taking time to clear the machinery,” he said.

“We are expecting it to be cleared soon and we will start production by October 1.”

The Australian government approved the export of live cattle to Cambodia for feeder and slaughter last summer.

Up to 30 per cent of beef produced will be sold in Cambodia, while the rest will be exported to neighbouring countries.