KUALA LUMPUR: The Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA) shall facilitate the development of a talent ecosystem to cater for the development of a large-scale, state-of-the-art integrated dairy farm project in the Chuping Agro Valley of the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) Agri Economic Zone (NAEZ).
The project that would be undertaken by FGV Holdings Bhd, FELCRA Bhd and Qatar's largest food and dairy producer Baladna QPSC may come to fruition following the signing of a memorandum of collaboration (MOC) between the three parties in 2019.
The NCIA, in a statement said, it will also customise favourable tax incentives, and provide the necessary platforms for technology transfer to smoothen the project.
It said a feasibility study for the project has been commissioned by the collaborating parties and targeted for completion by June 2022 and production is expected to commence in 2024.
Underscoring the importance of the project, NCIA chief executive Mohamad Haris Kader Sultan said once the operations in the Chuping Agro Valley, Perlis are in full swing, the project would be on track to establish itself as the largest dairy hub in ASEAN.
"There is a critical need for quality fresh milk to be produced locally to benefit the country's trade balance through import substitution, and thus influence the value of the nation's foreign currency exchange while providing people with affordable, nutritious fresh milk for the growing young population of the country," he said in the statement.
Senior Minister of International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Azmin Ali, in a statement on Tuesday, said building on this strategic collaboration, the project provides immense opportunities for Malaysia and Qatar to enhance Malaysia's value proposition in the food industry, and more importantly to ensure food security in the region.
Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who was accompanied by Mohamed Azmin, visited the state-of-the art Baladna Dairy Facility, which is one of the largest cattle farms in Qatar, at the end of his three-day official visit to the Gulf state on Tuesday.
The NCIA said the integrated dairy facility is designed to be climate-independent using world-class technology and quality management systems.
The facility will have the capacity to produce 100 million litres of fresh milk by the first year of operation in the Chuping Agro Valley that borders Thailand and will be able to generate over 2,000 jobs during the initial phase of its first full year of operations.
NAEZ is a new development approach by NCER to drive Malaysia's advancement in the agro-food industry and ensure the success of the nation's food security agenda.
The NCIA said the initiative was crafted with a macro holistic approach that incorporates an end-to-end value chain imbedded within the NAEZ development zone that could result in a RM3 billion-RM4 billion in incremental gross domestic product, create more than 12,000 job and entrepreneurship opportunities, as well as reduce imports by RM2.8 billion.
The agency said the "grass to glass" dairy farm will boost the domestic supply of fresh milk by doubling the production and reducing imports, as well as catalysing the local downstream sector that will involve supporting services such as bottling, packaging, logistics and eco-tourism.
Other potential economic spillover areas include utilising Malaysian agricultural land to produce most of the required animal feed for dairy farming, as well as using the integrated facility as a hub to support small rural farms in developing cattle fattening farms and animal feed farms, it added.
The NCIA said the initiative is a key step forward in Baladna's international expansion plans that includes replicating the company's success in shifting Qatar's milk import dependency to self-sufficiency.
Currently, Baladna exports its products to countries around the region, including Yemen, Afghanistan, Iraq and Oman, while eyeing other potential markets, including ASEAN, with Malaysia in particular.
-- BERNAMA
Bernama
Tue Mar 29 2022
Ismail Sabri, who was accompanied by Mohamed Azmin, visited the state-of-the-art Baladna Dairy Facility, which is one of the largest cattle farms in Qatar, at the end of his three-day official visit to the Gulf state on Tuesday. - BERNAMA
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.