Jeram mengaji: Mornings at SRZ Ternak in Jeram Mengaji begin with the hum of milking machines and orderly cattle-care routines, reflecting the dedication of a group of local youths in ensuring a steady supply of fresh milk for consumers.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, SRZ Ternak is more than just a milk production centre; it stands as a symbol of disciplined efforts to improve local food security through systematic farm management and strict adherence to quality standards. Farm manager Nik Syazwan Najmi Sukeri, 26, said daily operations at the farm are carried out on a schedule, involving livestock feeding, stall cleaning, milk extraction, and health monitoring of the cattle to ensure consistent production.
He detailed that the 16.19-hectare farm currently houses 58 dairy cows, producing an average daily milk output of around 70 kilogrammes, subject to the animals' health and productivity. "Caring for dairy cows requires a high level of discipline, as they are easily stressed. They need to be bathed twice a day, provided with sufficient feed, and housed in a comfortable environment to maintain both the quality and quantity of milk," he said.
Nik Syazwan Najmi emphasized the importance of cleanliness, which necessitates daily cleaning of stalls, environmental control, and compliance with quality standards set by the authorities, with regular monitoring by the Kelantan Department of Veterinary Services before the milk is processed or marketed. The fresh milk produced is used to make various dairy-based products such as dadih (milk curd) and flavoured yoghurt, in addition to being sold directly to consumers, including through online platforms.
He noted that demand typically rises during school holidays and weekends, requiring increased production to meet customer needs. The farm is equipped with a processing plant, five dairy product sales kiosks, and a mini zoo with animals such as ostriches, horses, deer, buffaloes, geese, and egg-laying ducks, serving as a tourism attraction.
Commenting on operational challenges, he mentioned that animal feed constitutes the largest expense, pushing monthly operating costs to more than RM10,000. However, weather conditions have not significantly affected operations as the farm is located on elevated ground, is flood-free, and has sufficient grass resources and shaded areas for the livestock.
In addition to contributing to local food production, Nik Syazwan Najmi said the farm serves as a learning and research site with the involvement of higher education institutions such as Universiti Malaysia Kelantan and Universiti Sultan Zainal Abidin.
Meanwhile, farm worker Wan Muhammad Iman Wan Rosli, 19, shared his experiences of working at the farm for seven years, with responsibilities including caring for cows and goats as well as managing the stalls. His routine involves bringing the cows into the stalls at 10 am for bathing, followed by the milking process before moving the livestock to grazing fields at 12.30 pm.
He expressed contentment with the physically demanding work and handling of animal waste, stating he knows each cow by name. Fellow farm hand, Muhammad Naim Al-Hafiz Mohd Razwan, 17, who is preparing for the Sijil Pelajaran Malaysia examination, noted that he has been helping to care for the cows for two years and regards the work as part of his daily routine.
He explained that his duties involve feeding the livestock, cleaning the stalls, and assisting in managing cows during calving, tasks that require skill and patience. Despite the challenges, he is not embarrassed as the experience provides skills, income, and helps support his family. He added that the dairy farm not only provides employment opportunities for locals but also helps nurture skills among the younger generation in the livestock sector, thereby supporting the national food security agenda.