Happenings
Launch of the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers’ Organization marks new era of improved hen welfare and historical milestone for cage-free production in Asia: Malaysia leads the way!
November 23, 2024 – Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia – Humane Society International (HSI) held a landmark event marked by Malaysia’s bold steps toward higher welfare farming. With the launch of the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers’ Organisation (MCFEPO), and significant milestones by TC Poultry Farm, which built Malaysia’s first cage-free aviary, Malaysia has officially entered the forefront of cage-free farming across Asia. The MCFEPO will support egg producers in going cage free, in receiving technical advice, in achieving certification, and in marketing their eggs.
Dr Saravanakumar S.Pillai, Senior Advisor, Farm Animal Welfare, Policy and Engagement, Humane Society International, set a powerful tone, endorsing MCFEPO cage-free production and their Hen and Pullet Rearing Guidelines for Cage-Free Systems, which will provide recommendations for producers transitioning to cage-free systems. “Malaysia is ready to lead the region in better welfare and sustainable egg production,” he stated, highlighting the nation’s commitment to more ethical and responsible farming practices.
In a groundbreaking move, Malaysia united with India and Indonesia to form the Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance, the first alliance of its kind dedicated to promoting cage-free farming across the region. “This alliance is a commitment to a better future, setting the stage for real change across our region,” said MCFEPO Chairman Shunmugam Sethuraman. Leaders from the cage-free movements in India and Indonesia joined their Malaysian counterparts, underscoring the unity and shared mission behind this new organization.
Further boosting these efforts, TC Poultry Farm celebrated two major achievements: a sustainability-linked loan through the Dana Program, Pembiayaan AgroTeknologi Madani (DPPAM), from AgroBank and earning the Certified Humane label from Humane Farm Animal Care, an international standards setting and certification body. “Supporting sustainable agriculture like this is not only an investment but a step toward a more ethical world,” stated Syed Hairul Annuar Syed Fadzil AgroBank’s Chief Business Officer. These recognitions underscore the role TC Poultry Farm is playing as a leader in the movement toward cage-free and sustainable farming.
In addition, a strategic partnership between Ladang Ternakan Prudence (LTP) and Hellmann Poultry Equipment from Netherlands was announced, setting in motion efforts to bring two new rearing barns and seven egg production cage-free aviaries to Malaysia. Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai of HSI spoke proudly of this collaboration, remarking, “Today is about a shared future for higher welfare, sustainable farming practices.”
From launching the first cage-free aviary to forming Asia’s inaugural cage-free association alliance (ACFAA), Malaysia is making history and setting a new standard for animal welfare, sustainability, and ethical farming across Asia. The event concluded with a press conference offering a promising glimpse into the future of Malaysia’s rapidly expanding, cage-free movement.
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