Boosting Milk Self-Sufficiency | Sarawak Introduces Australian A2 Dairy Cows
— A New Step Towards a High-Quality Local Dairy Industry
Did you know?
To reduce reliance on imported dairy products and strengthen food self-sufficiency, Sarawak is strategically developing its local dairy industry by introducing high-quality A2 Jersey dairy cows from Australia.
This is not just the arrival of a new herd, but a long-term initiative focused on food security, agricultural modernisation, and economic resilience.
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Sarawak A2 Dairy Cow Programme — Overview
Project Objectives
• Increase local fresh milk production
• Reduce dependence on imported dairy products
• Support Sarawak’s vision of becoming a clean and high-quality food producer and exporter
The arrival of the cows was witnessed by Deputy Minister of Food Industry, Commodities and Regional Development, Datuk Martin Ben, together with Sarawak Veterinary Services Department Director, Datuk Adrian Susin, marking an important milestone for the programme.
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Key Highlights of the Import Programme
• Breed: Australian A2 Jersey dairy cows
• Total imported: 193 cows
• Government-supported: 92 cows under Sarawak’s matching grant scheme
• Implementing company: Eco Farm Solutions
A2 milk is known to be easier to digest than conventional A1 milk, making it more suitable for consumers sensitive to milk proteins. Demand for A2 dairy products continues to grow.
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Current Production & Future Targets
Current Situation
• Local fresh milk production: ~1,000 litres per day
• Average yield per cow: 16 litres per day
• Farm management: Digital monitoring to ensure animal health, productivity, and welfare
Projected Growth
• April 2026: Cows expected to give birth
• May 2026: Start of lactation period
• Estimated output: Up to 5,000 litres of fresh milk per day
This represents a significant leap forward for Sarawak’s local dairy capacity.
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Eco Farm Solutions — Focus on A2 Dairy Products
Current monthly production includes:
• ~25 tonnes of pasteurised milk
• ~2 tonnes of yoghurt
Product range also covers:
• Flavoured fresh milk
• Ultra-high temperature (UHT) milk
• Ice cream
The farm is steadily building a fully integrated local dairy value chain.
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Strategic Importance — Beyond Dairy Farming
This initiative reflects Sarawak’s broader long-term strategy:
1. Strengthening food and dairy self-sufficiency
2. Ensuring a stable, safe, and high-quality food supply
3. Modernising agriculture through digital systems
4. Reducing import dependence and capital outflow
5. Laying the foundation for future dairy exports
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🥛 One glass of locally produced milk represents an entire food security strategy.
From Australian pastures to Sarawak farms, from a single cow to 5,000 litres of milk per day, this programme is shaping the future of Sarawak’s dairy industry.
Do you think Sarawak has the potential to become a key high-quality dairy hub in East Malaysia?
