Negeri Sembilan’s Menteri Besar Tours F&N AgriValley, Underscoring State’s Commitment to Becoming Malaysia’s Dairy Hub
Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd (“F&NHB” or “the Group”) hosted a visit by YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Bin Harun, Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan, to observe the latest progress of its integrated dairy farm F&N AgriValley in Gemas, which he launched during its groundbreaking ceremony in June 2023.
F&N AgriValley forms a key component of Negeri Sembilan’s vision to become a national dairy hub, aligned with strategic goals outlined in the Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (RPNS) 2021–2025.
Accompanying YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun were key officials from the Negeri Sembilan state government, the Chilean Embassy in Malaysia, the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia (DVS), and the Department of Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS).
During the visit, YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun and the accompanying officials inspected the empty cattle barns, which will soon house the commercial batch of cattle, and the milking parlour. The delegates were given a firsthand look at the barns equipped with intelligent environmental control systems comprising a myriad of features such as precision spray systems, specialised fans, and barns built with membrane walls to lower the temperature for the comfort of the livestock.
“F&N AgriValley strategically aligns with Negeri Sembilan’s broader economic and agricultural agenda, reinforcing key initiatives within the Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (RPNS) 2021-2025. By prioritising economic resilience, sustainability, and food security, this initiative plays a pivotal role in advancing sustainable livestock farming to ensure long-term agricultural prosperity and self-sufficiency,” YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun said.
In this address, F&NHB Chief Executive Officer, Lim Yew Hoe expressed his appreciation to the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan and state government, as well as the various ministries and departments for the support and collaboration that have helped bring the integrated farm to its current phase.
“Since the groundbreaking ceremony, collaboration across the public and private sectors has been vital in realising our shared vision of developing F&N AgriValley into a world-class integrated dairy farm,” said Lim.
“Following the suspension of cattle importation from the United States, we worked closely with the Department of Veterinary Services Malaysia, the Embassy of Chile in Malaysia and ProChile, The Export Promotion Bureau. Through this collective effort, we secured the safe import protocol for cattle from Chile in record time – a testament to the dedication and efficiency of all agencies involved.”
This has enabled F&N AgriValley to bring in a trial batch of 165 heifers from Chile, which have since settled down in good health in their new home.
“Upon their arrival, we completed a two-week post-importation quarantine here at our barns in F&N AgriValley. This process was carried out seamlessly thanks to the professionalism of MAQIS and DVS, whose expertise and commitment ensured the highest standards of biosecurity and animal welfare,” he added.
With the successful arrival and settling of the trial batch, F&N AgriValley is now preparing to bring in the commercial batch of cattle, which is set to be the largest ever importation of dairy cattle into Malaysia in a single batch.
During the visit, F&NHB Chairman Y.A.M. Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail also presented YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun with the “Record of Birth” certificate for Che Bedah, the first calf born at the farm.
Y.A.M. Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail said, “We are deeply appreciative of the continuous support from the Menteri Besar of Negeri Sembilan and his dedicated team. As such, when I was given the privilege of naming the first Chilean calf born in Gemas, I chose the name Che Bedah – a traditional name – as a tribute to our vision of growing F&N AgriValley and Negeri Sembilan into a thriving dairy hub with a strong local identity.”