Jemaluang: The Jemaluang Dairy Valley project has recorded encouraging progress, with fresh milk production reaching three million litres as of July 26, 2026, close to the initial target of 3.6 million litres set for this year, according to JDV Sdn Bhd (JDV). It said milk production is expected to increase further to 5.5 million litres by the end of 2026.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, JDV's chief executive officer, Qasem Alhasan, stated that the dairy valley currently has 1,900 dairy cows, with the number of milking cows steadily increasing as they enter the lactation phase, contributing to higher milk production. In the long term, the farm aims to produce 12 million litres of fresh milk when it reaches full capacity. Additionally, the construction of a milk processing plant is progressing on schedule and is expected to be completed by the end of this year.
Beyond the processing plant, the company is also focusing on ensuring product quality, branding, and distribution networks are at their best before other milk-based products are launched into the market in 2027. The target market for these products includes families, children, and young professional consumers who prioritize health and prefer high-quality fresh milk, as well as supplying products to cafes, restaurants, hotels, and food manufacturers. The main goal is to make premium fresh Malaysian milk more accessible to consumers while reducing the country's reliance on imported dairy products.
Qasem highlighted that the total investment for the dairy valley's development is expected to exceed RM200 million, covering farm infrastructure, purchase of dairy cows, modern breeding technology, the milk processing plant, utility facilities, and supporting facilities, reflecting the long-term commitment to strengthening the national dairy industry. The project is expected to have a positive impact on the local community's economy, including a capital investment of RM25 million for infrastructure development, mostly utilizing materials sourced from suppliers in Mersing and nearby districts.
The initiative has created more than 60 jobs for the community and benefited various stakeholders, including contractors, suppliers, logistics and transport companies, traders, and veterinary services. Despite challenges such as the capital-intensive nature of the dairy industry, rising livestock feed costs, the need to attract skilled local labor, and increasing consumer demand for fresh milk, JDV remains committed to investing in technology, automation, and strategic partnerships to develop a sustainable dairy industry.
JDV plans to increase the herd's size to 4,000 dairy cows by 2027, strengthen the downstream business, introduce a range of dairy products, and explore opportunities to export products to international markets. Over the next three to five years, JDV aims to become a leading dairy integration company and support the nation's food security agenda while developing a dairy industry that benefits the community and future generations. The Jemaluang Dairy Valley project is a collaboration between the Johor state government, ECER Development Council (ECERDC), and JDV Sdn Bhd, involving an investment of around RM80 million.