Kuala lumpur: The RM4 million Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) sealed today between the Department of Veterinary Services (DVS) and Rompin Dairy Farm Sdn Bhd (RDF) is set to strengthen local livestock genetic resources through the production of selected frozen semen of the Giromas breed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the strategic collaboration covers the production of frozen cattle semen, as well as research on livestock breeding and crossbreeding, paving the way for wider adoption of breeding technologies to boost productivity in the country's ruminant sector.
Veterinary Services director-general Datuk Dr Mohd Noor Hisham Mohd Haron said under the MoU, RDF would supply selected Giromas bulls to the National Institute of Veterinary Biodiversity (IBVK) under DVS for the production of frozen semen. He stated that IBVK would be responsible for managing the selected bulls and carrying out the collection, evaluation, processing, and storage of frozen semen in accordance with established procedures and standards.
'The collaboration also involves extended service programmes, resource and facility sharing, knowledge and data exchange, as well as joint research and publications in related fields,' he told reporters after the MoU exchange ceremony held today in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (MAHA) 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang (MAEPS) here.
The MoU exchange between Dr Mohd Noor Hisham and RDF director Fahrizal Hasan was witnessed by Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak. Dr Mohd Noor Hisham emphasized that the production of frozen Giromas semen was expected to expand access to quality livestock genetic resources, while supporting higher production and productivity of local cattle through the more systematic application of breeding technologies.
He further explained that the collaboration could also strengthen cooperation between the public sector and industry through the sharing of expertise in research, breeding technology development, and the development of local livestock genetic resources. He noted that the initiative was in line with the government's efforts to strengthen the country's livestock industry through increased production of quality breeds, the adoption of breeding and crossbreeding technologies, and the sustainable development of animal genetic resources.
Dr Mohd Noor Hisham expressed hope that this collaboration would serve as a catalyst for producing higher-quality and more productive livestock breeds, thereby contributing to increased ruminant production and strengthening the country's food security agenda. MAHA 2026, held from Aug 28 to Sept 6, is expected to generate at least RM8 billion in potential investments through MoUs and memorandums of agreement (MoAs), in addition to RM58 million in direct sales.
The biennial event serves as a key platform for the country's agricultural sector, bringing together industry players, government agencies, entrepreneurs, as well as research and higher education institutions to showcase innovation, technology, and business opportunities in the agro-food sector.