F&N AGRIVALLEY DRIVES NEGERI SEMBILAN'S VISION AS NATIONAL DAIRY HUB -- AMINUDDIN

SEREMBAN, April 11 (Bernama) -- The F&N AgriValley project in Gemas forms a key component of Negeri Sembilan’s vision to become the national dairy hub, in line with the goals outlined in the Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (RPNS) 2021-2025, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun. 

He said the project is strategically aligned with the state’s broader economic and agricultural agenda, reinforcing key initiatives in the RPNS 2021-2025.

“To prioritise economic resilience, sustainability and food security, this initiative plays an important role in advancing sustainable livestock farming to ensure long-term agricultural success and self-sufficiency,” he said in a statement today. 

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Earlier, Aminuddin joined a visit organised by Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (F&N) to observe the latest progress of the F&N AgriValley integrated dairy farm in Gemas, accompanied by officials from the Chilean embassy in Malaysia, the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS), and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS). 

During the visit, the delegation inspected the empty cattle barns, which are equipped with intelligent environmental control systems and will soon house the commercial batch of cattle and the milking parlour. 

Meanwhile, F&N chief executive officer Lim Yew Hoe shared his appreciation to the state government, including various ministries and departments, for their support and cooperation, which has helped bring this integrated farm to its latest phase. 

He said that since the groundbreaking ceremony, collaboration between the public and private sectors has been crucial in realising our shared vision to develop F&N AgriValley into a world-class integrated dairy farm. 

“Following the suspension of cattle imports from the United States, we worked closely with DVS and the Chilean embassy in Malaysia.

“Through this collective effort, we were able to obtain a safe import protocol for cattle from Chile in a short time, demonstrating the dedication and effectiveness of all agencies involved,” said Lim, adding that this effort brought in a trial herd of 165 cattle from Chile, which are in good health in their new home. 

Lim explained that upon the arrival of the cattle, they also completed a two-week post-import quarantine at the F&N AgriValley farm.

“This process was carried out smoothly thanks to the professionalism of MAQIS and DVS, whose expertise and commitment to ensuring the highest standards of biosecurity and animal welfare,” he said. 

He said F&N AgriValley is set to bring in a commercial herd of cattle, which will see the largest importation of dairy cattle into Malaysia in a single batch. 

Additionally, F&N chairman Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail also presented the birth certificate for the first calf born on this farm, named “Che Bedah”, to Aminuddin. 

“We greatly appreciate the state government's continued support, and I was given the opportunity to name the first Chilean calf born in Gemas.

“I chose the name, ‘Che Bedah’, a traditional name, as a tribute to our vision to develop F&N AgriValley and Negeri Sembilan into a thriving dairy hub with a strong local identity,” he said.

-- BERNAMA