From left: Chin Chien Hwi, Chief Financial Officer, Farmiera; Lim Kim Leng, General Manager, Purchasing & Project Development; Ong Chin Loong, General Manager, Sales & Business Development; Tan Chin Heng, Senior General Manager, Farm Operations; Lim Kian Hoe; Hong How Seng, Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer; Tan Kok Cheong, Executive Director/ Deputy Chief Executive Officer; Tang Yuen Kin, Independent Non-Executive Chairman; Nor Syahirah Abu Baker Independent Non-Executive Director; Koo Woon Kan, Independent Non-Executive Director; and Adrian Chair Yong Huang, Independent Non-Executive Director
KUALA LUMPUR: ACE Market debutant Farmiera Bhd
plans to continuously expand its breeder farm to enhance efficiency and strengthen its bottom line while focusing on upstream integration through the development of a parent stock farm and hatchery.
Its chief financial officer, Chin Chien Hwi, said the group expects to maintain its business as usual following the listing and is revamping the scopes outlined in the prospectus as part of a vertical integration with the parent stock farm.
"We will just focus back on the business because we still have to improve the growth of the boiler (segment) and also the profit margin of the group,” he said during a press conference in conjunction with its listing ceremony here today.
At 9 am, Farmiera debuted on the ACE Market of Bursa Malaysia at 25 sen, unchanged from its initial public offering price, with 12.67 million shares traded.
Commenting on the company’s outlook for next year, Chin said Farmiera remains optimistic and will stick to plans stated in its prospectus, noting that chicken remains the most affordable source of protein in the market.
"With Visit Malaysia Year 2026, we expect higher tourist arrivals, which will drive greater consumption. However, our main focus remains on improving operational efficiency, "he added.
Regarding the company’s approach to technology and innovation in poultry farming, Chin explained that the company employs modern closed-house farming systems, replacing traditional open-house methods to ensure better environmental control and improved livestock welfare.
"We have installed ventilation systems to ensure proper airflow, as well as a ‘Viper’ system that automatically regulates temperature and humidity. These upgrades help us reduce manpower requirements and, ultimately, improve our profit margins,” he said.
Touching on price volatility in the chicken market, Chin said prices remain subject to market forces such as supply and demand.
"What we can control is our operating efficiency. By improving that, we can effectively reduce costs and strengthen our profitability,” he said.
Currently, Farmiera operates 15 self-managed farms and 44 contract farms, supported by two processing plants, across Selangor, Negeri Sembilan, Perak, Pahang, and Melaka. The group remains open to further expansion as part of its growth strategy.
"We are open to all potential opportunities. For example, further collaboration with contract farmers, building new farms, or renting additional facilities. We remain open, and when the opportunity arises, we will seize it,” he said.
When asked whether Farmiera has any expansion plans to Sabah and Sarawak, Chin said the company currently has no plans to expand there and will continue to focus on Peninsular Malaysia due to logistical considerations. - Bernama
