KUALA LUMPUR: Malaysia’s poultry industry is embracing smart farming and automation to boost efficiency and keep poultry prices affordable, said agriculture technology expert Lim Chin Soo.
Speaking at the Innovative Smart Poultry Production and Waste Management forum at the Livestock Malaysia 2025 conference here yesterday, Lim said innovations such as the Internet of Things (IoT) and AI are transforming poultry farming through real-time monitoring and data analysis.
One of the most significant advances, Lim noted, is the broiler cages system with belt technology, which raises birds inside cases, with a belt flooring to remove dung underneath to improve animal welfare.
This leads to better hygiene, reduces cleaning time between cycles, and does away with the need to have wood shavings to soak up the dung. Benefits include lower mortality, better feed conversion and reduced labour requirements.
However, experts warn that high feed costs and a shortage of young farmers threaten the long-term sustainability of the industry.
Feed remains the sector’s heaviest burden, making up 60% to 70% of production costs.
“Even if Malaysia starts planting maize locally, it will take at least two years before we see results.
“In the short term, feed costs will remain high,” Lim said, adding that Malaysia must compete on quality and welfare rather than price, given its higher land, labour and input costs.
Still, he was upbeat about prospects, citing Malaysia’s growing demand for protein.
Malaysia ended chicken price controls in October 2023, when the ceiling for standard chicken was RM9.40 per kg.
The move aimed to let market forces set prices, ensure stable supply, and support the growth of the livestock sector.
Poultry and veterinary consultant Dr Chin How Cheong said Asia remains the world’s poultry powerhouse, producing more than half of global chicken and egg supplies – with Malaysia among the region’s most efficient producers.
“Our self-sufficiency level is above 100%, which means we meet domestic demand and export to neighbouring markets during shortages,” he said.
According to Dr Chin, the next phase will be defined by sustainability and environmental pressures.
“Beyond 2025, sustainability and environmental concerns will shape poultry production,” he said, pointing to new academic programmes that combine resource efficiency, climate resilience and hands-on training.
“Future generations must be equipped with both knowledge and practical skills to adapt, while ensuring that productivity, animal welfare and environmental care remain balanced.”
Sustainable livestock systems expert Dr Nurfadhila Nasya Ramlee said farmers are under pressure to manage odour, effluent and greenhouse gas emissions, but solutions such as biogas digesters and emission filters come with steep upfront investments.
“Waste from livestock farming is a major source of water pollution and odour complaints. While sustainable solutions exist, their cost remains a heavy burden without government support.”
Nurfadhila added that consumer expectations for eco-friendly farming are reshaping the industry, with greater demand for pollution control, waste recycling and renewable energy use.
“Better waste management and odour control are vital to protecting the environment and keeping the industry competitive.”
