PETALING JAYA– Fraser & Neave Holdings Bhd hosted Negeri Sembilan Menteri Besar, YAB Dato’ Seri Utama Haji Aminuddin Bin Harun, at its integrated dairy farm, F&N AgriValley in Gemas, to review the project’s significant progress since its groundbreaking in June 2023.
The visit highlighted F&N AgriValley’s central role in advancing Negeri Sembilan’s vision of becoming Malaysia’s national dairy hub, as outlined in the Negeri Sembilan Development Plan (RPNS) 2021–2025. Accompanying the Menteri Besar were senior state officials, representatives from the Chilean Embassy in Malaysia, and key figures from the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS).
The delegation toured critical areas of the farm, including the advanced milking parlour and newly constructed barns equipped with intelligent environmental systems. These barns feature precision spray technology, advanced ventilation, and membrane wall structures designed to maintain optimal temperatures for livestock welfare.
“F&N AgriValley represents a pillar of Negeri Sembilan’s strategy for sustainable growth, economic resilience, and food security,” said Dato’ Seri Utama Aminuddin Harun. “This project strengthens our livestock sector and enhances our ambitions for agricultural prosperity and self-sufficiency.”
F&NHB Chief Executive Officer, Lim Yew Hoe, expressed deep appreciation for the collaborative efforts that have propelled the project forward. “From the outset, public and private sector cooperation has been essential in bringing F&N AgriValley to life,” Lim noted.
Addressing recent challenges, Lim highlighted how swift action ensured progress despite the suspension of cattle imports from the U.S. “Working closely with DVS and the Chilean Embassy, we quickly established import protocols with Chile, allowing us to import our first trial batch of 165 heifers in record time.”
Following their arrival, the cattle completed a two-week quarantine overseen by MAQIS and DVS, ensuring biosecurity and animal welfare standards were met. With the initial group now thriving, preparations are underway for the arrival of the first commercial batch — poised to be Malaysia’s largest-ever single shipment of dairy cattle.
Marking a symbolic milestone during the visit, F&NHB Chairman Y.A.M. Tengku Syed Badarudin Jamalullail presented the Menteri Besar with the birth certificate of Che Bedah, the first calf born at F&N AgriValley.
“Che Bedah’s name reflects our local heritage and our hopes to grow both F&N AgriValley and Negeri Sembilan into a proud, flourishing dairy hub,” said Tengku Syed Badarudin. He also extended heartfelt thanks to the Menteri Besar and his team for their unwavering support.
As construction and preparations continue, F&N AgriValley moves closer to its goal of becoming a world-class dairy facility, strengthening Malaysia’s drive for milk self-sufficiency and national food security