Happenings
Malaysia Celebrates the Launch of the Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation : A Historic Step Towards Sustainable and Humane Egg Production
November 23, 2024 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – The Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation (MCFEPO) was officially launched today, marking a transformative moment for animal welfare and sustainable farming in the country. The event, held in Kuala Lumpur, brought together farmers, policymakers, industry leaders, and animal welfare advocates to celebrate this milestone in advancing cage-free egg production in Malaysia.
Joining Humane Society International, Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation is promoting cage-free egg production campaign across Malaysia. By providing farmers with resources, training, and guidelines, the organisation aims to improve animal welfare, support sustainable farming practices, and meet the growing consumer demand for ethically produced eggs.
Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser for Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement with Humane Society International and Adviser for Malaysia Cage Free Egg Producer’s Organisation, a leading advocate for cage-free farming, addressed the event with an inspiring message: “The launch of the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation is a pivotal moment in the history of our agricultural sector. By embracing cage-free egg production, we are not only prioritising the welfare of millions of hens but also promoting sustainable farming practices that are better welfare and meet consumers demand. Cage-free systems give hens the freedom to express their natural behaviours, such as perching, nesting, dust bathing and foraging, fundamental aspects of their wellbeing that are too often denied in conventional caged systems. This initiative reflects Malaysia’s growing commitment to humane and ethical animal husbandry.”
The event also featured the official handover of the “Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Production & Pullet Rearing Guidelines” commissioned by Humane Society International to participating MCFEPO’s small-scale farmers. These comprehensive guidelines serve as a roadmap for transitioning from caged to cage-free systems and maintaining high standards of animal welfare, food safety, and productivity.
Dr. Pillai’s further elaborated: “These guidelines are more than just a technical manual.They represent a blueprint for a better future. With them, we empower our farmers to adopt innovative practices, overcome challenges, and take the lead in the regional cage-free movement. I truly believe that by working together, we can make cage-free eggs the standard in Malaysia, ensuring both ethical treatment of animals and a robust livelihood for our farming community.” Adding to the sentiments, Mr. Shunmugam Sethuraman, Chairman of MCFEPO, shared his vision for the organisation and its impact on farmers and consumers alike: “Today’s launch represents a bold step forward for Malaysia’s agricultural sector. At MCFEPO, we are determined to create a future where egg production is not only ethical but also economically sustainable for our farmers. Transitioning from caged to cage-free systems is a challenge, but it is a challenge worth undertaking because it aligns with the values of our society and the demands of our consumers. The Malaysian people are increasingly looking for products that reflect compassion and sustainability, and our farmers are ready to meet this demand.”
Dr Pillai also emphasised the importance of collaboration in achieving the organisation’s goals: “MCFEPO stands as a bridge between farmers, consumers, and policymakers. Humane Society International (HSI) will collaborate with MCFEPO members with training, resources, and advocacy, so they can succeed in this transition. HSI ‘s commitment is to ensure that farmers are not left behind in this evolution of the industry. Together, we can ensure that Malaysia becomes a leader in cage-free egg production, setting an example for the region and the world.”
The event concluded with the ceremonial receiving of the both guidelines as a pledge by farmers to adopt cage-free production practices, symbolising their commitment to animal welfare and sustainable farming. The pledge marks the beginning of a nationwide shift towards a more compassionate and responsible approach to egg production among small scale farmers.
Learn more about our work at hsi.org ; https://cagefreeeggs.org.my
Media contact :
Dr Saravanakumar S.Pillai
+6012 5006316
drskpillai.vet@gmail.com