Happenings
Comprehensive Report on the Event: “Wings of Progress for Better Welfare” – March 22, 2024
1. Event Overview
The landmark event, titled “Wings of Progress for Better Welfare”, was held on March 22, 2024, at the Seri Pacific Hotel, Kuala Lumpur. Organised by Humane Society International (HSI), this event marked a significant milestone in Malaysia’s poultry farming industry by officially launching the country’s first aviary cage-free system for hens. This pioneering initiative is a collaborative effort involving key industry players such as Teong Choon Poultry Farm, Old Town White Coffee, JDE Peets, and Beacon Mart, in association with the technical expertise of Big Dutchman Asia.
2. Key Attendees and Speakers
The event attracted a notable lineup of attendees, including:
- YB. Saraswathy Kandasami, Deputy Minister of National Unity, Malaysia
- Ms. Eva Oskam, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands in Malaysia
- Dr. Sara Shields, Director, Farm Animal Welfare Science, HSI
- Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser, Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement, HSI
- Mr. Robert Geerts, Sales Director of Egg, Big Dutchman Asia
These distinguished individuals, together with representatives from the collaborating partners, added prestige and significance to the event, highlighting its international and national importance.
3. Event Significance
At the core of the event was the announcement of Malaysia’s first aviary cage-free system for hens, spearheaded by Teong Choon Poultry Farm with the support of HSI. This project aims to:
- Provide hens with a more natural and humane environment, enabling them to engage in instinctual behaviours such as perching, dust bathing, and foraging.
- Promote animal welfare by moving away from the conventional caged systems towards a more ethical and sustainable form of poultry farming.
4. Corporate Collaboration
Several key partners have committed to integrating cage-free eggs into their business operations:
- Teong Choon Poultry Farm is at the forefront of this transition, pioneering the aviary cage-free system in Malaysia.
- Old Town White Coffee, a major café chain in Malaysia, has pledged to incorporate cage-free eggs into their menu across all outlets nationwide.
- Beacon Mart has committed to offering exclusively cage-free eggs in all its stores by 2028. Similarly, Old Town White Coffee plans to meet this target by 2027.
- JDE Peets, another partner, has also played a role in supporting this significant shift towards humane farming practices.
5. Big Dutchman Asia’s Role
The cage-free movement has been growing globally, with increasing pressure on food suppliers and restaurants to adopt more humane practices. Battery cages, which severely restrict the movement of egg-laying hens, have been criticized by animal welfare organizations worldwide for their cruelty and negative impact on the birds’ well-being. Shifting to cage-free systems allows hens to engage in more natural behaviors, like walking, nesting, and stretching their wings.
Humane Society International has been at the forefront of this movement, working with businesses and governments around the world to phase out the use of battery cages. The commitment made by Malaysian businesses, as showcased at the event, is a significant step towards the global goal of improving farm animal welfare and creating more sustainable food systems.
6. Symbolic Gestures and Commemorations
To commemorate this collaboration, a limited-edition chicken figurine was presented as a token of appreciation to the key partners, symbolising the collective effort and dedication towards improving farm animal welfare in Malaysia.
7. National Recognition
The event garnered attention not only from local stakeholders but also from international representatives. YB. Saraswathy Kandasami, Malaysia’s Deputy Minister of National Unity, graced the event, acknowledging the significance of the transition towards humane poultry farming within the nation.
8. International Recognition
Presence of Ms. Eva Osaka, Deputy Ambassador of the Kingdom of the Netherlands, highlighted the global importance of such initiatives, with the Netherlands being a leader in sustainable and ethical farming practices.
9. Future Outlook
The success of this project signals a broader shift in the Malaysian agricultural landscape. By 2027 and 2028, respectively, Old Town White Coffee and Beacon Mart aim to transition fully to cage-free eggs, with the support of their partners. This shift is expected to influence other industry players to adopt similar practices, contributing to better welfare standards for farm animals across the region.
The aviary cage-free system introduced in this project sets a new benchmark for animal welfare in the Malaysian poultry industry. It is anticipated that this initiative will lead to the expansion of ethical farming practices, benefiting not only the animals but also enhancing consumer trust and preferences for humane and sustainable products.
The “Wings of Progress for Better Welfare” event marked a groundbreaking moment in the advancement of farm animal welfare in Malaysia. The collaboration between HSI, Teong Choon Poultry Farm, Old Town White Coffee, JDE Peets, and Beacon Mart, supported by Big Dutchman Asia, reflects a collective commitment to improving the welfare of hens by promoting humane, cage-free farming practices. This initiative, supported by both national and international stakeholders, sets a significant precedent for the future of ethical poultry farming in Malaysia and beyond.