F&N AgriValley Welcomes 2,500 Dairy Cattle

Building on the recent arrival of a trial batch of heifers, Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (“F&NHB” or “the Group”) has now welcomed the safe arrival of its first commercial batch of 2,500 dairy heifers from Chile to its dairy farm in Gemas. This follows shortly after the official visit by the Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar to F&N AgriValley on 11 April.

Mr Lim Yew Hoe, CEO of F&NHB, commented, “The arrival of this first commercial batch of heifers represents a historic milestone, marking the country’s largest-ever single importation of breeding cattle and paving the way for Malaysia’s dairy future. This also signifies Malaysia’s inaugural cattle import from Chile.”

“These Chilean Holstein cattle have been 100% genomically tested and have a Genomic Total Performance Index (GTPI) that is on par with the performance standards of the heifers we had originally planned to import from the United States,” Lim added.

The cattle were transported from Santiago, Chile via a livestock carrier through a meticulously planned voyage. “Throughout the journey, the cattle were under the care of specialised livestock handlers who ensured the animals’ well-being by monitoring their health, nutrition, and comfort onboard. The vessel was fitted with the recommended levels of ventilation and an ample supply of feed and water to minimise stress and maintain optimal transit conditions for the cattle,” said Dr Yap Peng Kang, Managing Director of Agriculture and Dairy Farming at F&NHB.

Upon arrival at Pasir Gudang, the cattle were safely unloaded and transported to their new home in F&N AgriValley within three days.

Dr Yap further highlighted the critical support of key agencies in Pasir Gudang, Johor. “We extend our sincere gratitude to The Royal Malaysian Customs Department (RMCD), The Royal Malaysian Police (PDRM), Johor Port Berhad and all other relevant authorities who ensured the safe passage and seamless transition of the livestock to F&N AgriValley.

The Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) ensured the imported heifers met Malaysia’s strict biosecurity standards through rigorous health certification and disease prevention measures. Meanwhile, the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) facilitated the smooth importation process, ensuring full compliance with import regulations. Their combined expertise has been instrumental in safeguarding the health of the heifers and the success of this importation effort.”

“In upholding our commitment to stringent livestock health and biosecurity standards, I am pleased to share that the cattle are healthy and will now undergo a mandatory quarantine period at the country’s largest on-site quarantine facilities for a single livestock batch. The cattle are housed within F&N AgriValley in state-of-the-art barns equipped with an intelligent environmental control system to provide optimum comfort for our livestock,” added Dr Yap.