Zahari (front, centre) touring the JDV project in Mersing. The state-of-the-art facility situated on 275ha site will be a production and collection point for fresh milk and increase the state’s total output.
JOHOR expects to increase its annual fresh milk production to 15 million litres through the Jemaluang Dairy Valley (JDV) project in Mersing.
State agriculture, agro-based industry and rural development committee chairman Datuk Zahari Sarip said the project was expected to position Johor as one of the country’s leading dairy producers, while also strengthening food security in the country.
He said JDV, with its state-of-the-art infrastructure, was expected to begin operations by the end of 2025.
“This includes high-tech cattle barns, a rotary milking parlour and environmentally friendly waste management system to ensure efficiency and sustainability,” he said.
Zahari, who is also Buloh Kasap assemblyman, said 1,000 dairy cows would be arriving from Australia this month, with the number set to increase when operations expand.
The facility situated on 275ha site will be a production and collection point for fresh milk and increase the state’s total output.
He said the project would create job opportunities, boost the local economy and provide wider benefits through a satellite farmer programme.
“The programme will give dairy farmers in Johor the chance to collaborate with JDV, helping to strengthen and empower the state’s dairy industry.”
The project is envisaged as a dairy-based agro-tourism hub that will attract visitors to Mersing.
“This will spur economic spillovers and open new opportunities for tourism and service sectors in the area.”
JDV is a strategic collaboration between Johor government and East Coast Economic Region Development Council (ECERDC).
Zahari said the project would be managed by Jemaluang Dairy Valley Sdn Bhd (JDVSB), a joint venture between Kulim (Malaysia) Bhd and A2 Fresh Holdings Sdn Bhd.
“Johor currently produces about 6.4 million litres annually,” Zahari said.
“With JDV, this will rise to nine million litres a year, and between 13 and 15 million litres by 2027.”
JDV will also serve as a collection point for fresh milk from farmers in surrounding areas, further strengthening the supply chain.
“This initiative is aligned with the state government’s mission under Johor Mentri Besar Datuk Onn Hafiz Ghazi to increase productivity in the sector and ensure food security,” he said.
Zahari expressed confidence that the project would be a catalyst for Malaysia’s dairy industry growth.
“By the end of 2025, JDV will be fully operational and become a key driver of the sector,” he said.
JDV was first announced as part of Johor’s strategic push to diversify its agricultural base and reduce reliance on imported dairy products in 2021.
The project aims to improve domestic milk production and be a model of sustainable, large-scale dairy farming.
Once complete, the complex located on 275ha site, will integrate farming, processing, training and tourism in one location, serving as both a production hub and an educational centre for the public and future farmers.
