Australian-Malaysian partnership drives JDV’s ambition for affordable A2A2 milk
Australian cattle were selected because they are well suited to hot and humid environments while also meeting stringent animal health standards.
MERSING - A new generation of Australian-bred dairy cows is helping power Malaysia’s efforts to strengthen domestic fresh milk production, reduce reliance on imported premium dairy products and build a sustainable dairy ecosystem that could reshape the country's food security landscape.
At the centre of this ambition is Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV), a 275-hectare integrated dairy hub in Johor that combines cattle breeding, feed production, milk processing, farmer support and agro-tourism under a single operation.
Developed through a partnership between A2 Fresh Holdings Sdn Bhd and Kulim (Malaysia) Berhad, a subsidiary of Johor Corporation (JCorp), the project aims to become one of Malaysia’s largest contributors to locally produced fresh milk while leading the country's expansion into the premium A2A2 milk segment.
The farm was among the projects featured during a media visit organised by the Australian High Commission in Malaysia on June 4, highlighting the growing role of Australian livestock expertise in supporting Malaysia’s agricultural development and food security goals.
For JDV chief executive officer Qasem AlHassan, the project extends far beyond milk production.
"In JDV, our mandate has never been confined to generating profit only, while our dream is building a lasting legacy that benefits Malaysians and the people of Johor specifically.
“A key component of JDV's strategy is the use of Australian cross-bred dairy cows selected for their ability to thrive in Malaysia’s tropical climate.
“Our farm currently houses about 1,900 cows, including calves, after importing 1,000 A2A2 Jersey Friesian dairy cows from Australia in November 2025, making it the country's largest A2A2 dairy farm.
“Another 500 cows are expected to arrive later this year as the operation continues to expand,” he said in an interview with Sinar Daily during the media visit.
Qasem said Australian cattle were selected because they are well suited to hot and humid environments while also meeting stringent animal health standards.
He noted that Australia is free from Foot and Mouth Disease and Brucellosis, making the imported cows suitable for Malaysian conditions without the need for quarantine upon arrival.
To support the long-term development of its dairy herd, JDV is also employing advanced breeding technologies, including sexed semen, to increase the number of female calves needed for milk production.
Calves born locally are expected to become even better adapted to Malaysian conditions, contributing to the sustainability of the farm’s herd over time.
Beyond expanding milk production, JDV is positioning itself to meet Malaysia’s growing demand for A2A2 milk.
Unlike conventional milk, which contains a combination of A1 and A2 beta-casein proteins, A2A2 milk contains only A2 beta-casein protein, which many consumers consider easier to digest.
"All JDV cows are A2-A2 cows, DNA-tested in Australia. A2-A2 milk contains beta-casein A2-A2 protein. Much of the A2A2 milk currently sold in Malaysia is imported and often carries a premium price.
"We want to be a local player producing this healthier milk at a price similar to normal milk, so everybody can afford it," he said.
Malaysia currently produces approximately 42 million litres of fresh milk annually. JDV aims to produce five million litres this year, seven million litres next year and 10 million litres by its third year of operation.
According to company projections, the farm is expected to eventually produce more than 14 million litres annually, supplying around 16 per cent of Malaysia's fresh milk requirements.
A milk processing plant is currently under construction less than 200 metres from the farm's rotary milking parlour. The facility, which broke ground in February this year, is expected to begin operations in early 2027 with an annual processing capacity of 14 million litres, expandable to 30 million litres.
"JDV is also challenging traditional perceptions of dairy farming through the adoption of modern agricultural technology.
"Our 60-stall rotary milking parlour operates using a computerised herd management system that records real-time data and requires significantly fewer workers than conventional systems.
"The impression about a job in a dairy farm is not just barn or cow shed cleaning. They have more positions to place themselves in, which is data collection, rotary parlour supervision and feed mill supervision," Qasem said.
The farm further embraces a zero-waste model by converting cow manure into organic fertiliser for fodder cultivation.
According to Qasem, JDV has not purchased chemical fertiliser over the past two years.
The farm currently manages approximately 500 acres of pasture and plans to plant an additional 300 acres of corn for silage to improve feed self-sufficiency.
Beyond Johor, Qasem believes other regions, particularly Sarawak, possess strong potential for dairy industry expansion.
"In Sarawak, I am aware of a well-established dairy farm that has been operating for several years, including producing A2 milk. The potential is certainly there.
"However, the development of the dairy industry does not depend solely on farming activities. It must also take into account market factors, population size and per capita milk consumption rates.
"I believe that with proper planning and strong market demand, Sarawak is capable of playing a greater role in the development of the nation’s dairy industry in the future,” he added.
As Malaysia continues pursuing greater food security and reduced dependence on imported dairy products, projects such as JDV are increasingly viewed as strategic investments that combine technology, local employment, agricultural development and sustainable fresh milk production under one integrated model.
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