193 Jersey A2 young cows arrive from Australia to boost Sarawak’s dairy self-sufficiency

Martin (seventh left) and Dr Adrian (eighth left) along with others witnessing the unloading of cattle from a cargo plane upon arrival at Kuching International Airport on Dec 16, 2025.

By DayakDaily Team

KUCHING, Dec 17: The arrival of 193 pregnant Jersey A2 heifers (young cow) from Australia marks a pivotal milestone in Sarawak’s push to strengthen food security and advance towards becoming a net food exporter.

Eco Farm Solutions, with strong support from the Sarawak government, continues to spearhead the transformation of the local dairy industry, setting new benchmarks in modern, technology-driven farming.

According to a media release, the cattle importation was witnessed by Deputy Minister for Commodity and Regional Development Datuk Martin Ben, alongside the Department of Veterinary Services Sarawak (DVSS) director Datu Dr Adrian Susin Ambud at Kuching International Airport on Tuesday (Dec 16).

Both leaders emphasised that bringing in high-quality dairy cattle is a strategic move to boost Sarawak’s milk self-sufficiency, reduce dependence on imported dairy products, and support the State’s long-term goal of becoming a net food exporter.

Founded in 2018 by the late Dr Ng Siew Thiam, Eco Farm Solutions was established with a clear vision to develop a self-sustaining, technology-driven dairy industry in Sarawak. Today, with continuous government backing, the farm has set the benchmark for modern, scalable dairy farming in the region.

Licensed by the DVSS, all dairy products from Eco Farm Solutions carry the Veterinary Health Mark (VHM), certifying compliance with stringent animal health, food safety, and hygiene standards. The farm operates a fully automated closed-house system, implementing modern intensive farming practices that align with state and national initiatives to modernise agriculture and ensure long-term food security.

Currently, Eco Farm Solutions maintains a herd of 120 cattle. All animal feed is locally produced, with roughly 200 acres of land dedicated to maize cultivation. The maize is processed into silage through fermentation, guaranteeing consistent feed quality while supporting local agricultural integration.

Martin (second right) flanked by Dr Adrian on his right and others inside the cargo plane upon the young cow arrival at Kuching International Airport from Australia on Dec 16, 2025.

Eco Farm Solutions is also the first dairy farm in Malaysia to operate a rotary milking parlour. Cows are milked twice daily, with milk transported via a closed pipeline system directly into the Bulk Milk Cooler (BMC), eliminating physical contact and minimizing contamination risks. Current production averages 1,000 litres per day, roughly 16 litres per cow, with pedometers tracking activity and milk yield to enable real-time monitoring, precise herd management, and early detection of health issues.

A key focus of Eco Farm Solutions is A2 milk production. A2 milk contains only the A2 beta-casein protein, excluding A1 beta-casein, which has been associated with digestive discomfort in some individuals. Known for being easier to digest and gentler on the stomach, A2 milk is suitable for people with milk sensitivity (non-lactose intolerance) and is nutritionally richer, particularly when sourced from Jersey cattle.

The farm uses artificial insemination with sexed A2 semen, achieving up to a 90 per cent probability of female calves, ensuring herd sustainability and long-term production growth.

Through a matching fund programme supported by the Sarawak government, 92 pf the 193 imported heifers are directly funded under the government scheme. All imported cattle undergo A2 genetic verification at Australian government-owned laboratories, ensuring authenticity, traceability, and compliance with international standards.

The heifers are expected to calve in April 2026, boosting local milk production to an estimated 5,000 litres per day and expanding the farm’s herd to 500 head by May 2026.

During the arrival ceremony, Martin highlighted that the strategic importation would significantly enhance Sarawak’s dairy self-sufficiency.

Meanwhile, Dr Adrian reaffirmed DVSS’s commitment to ensuring animal health, biosecurity, and product safety throughout the farm’s expansion.

Currently, Eco Farm Solutions produces around 25 tonnes of pasteuriaed milk and 2 tonnes of yoghurt monthly. Its growing product portfolio includes pasteurised milk in various flavours such as original, chocolate, kurma and strawberry, yoghurt, UHT milk, and ice cream. All products are processed under strict quality control, from pasteurisation and UHT processing to aseptic packaging, ensuring freshness, safety, and consistency.

With DVSS licensing, VHM-certified products, strong government support, and the successful arrival of Australian Jersey A2 cattle, Eco Farm Solutions is positioned as a key driver in Sarawak’s journey towards food security and net food exporter status.

The expansion not only strengthens local dairy production but also provides high-quality, nutritious, locally produced dairy products to Sarawakians, reinforcing confidence in the State’s growing agri-food industry. — DayakDaily