Etika to inject RM100 million FDI to drive local dairy industry

KUCHING: Halal beverage firm Etika Holdings (Etika) yesterday announced further contributions in support of the local dairy industry via commercial processing of fresh milk (Goodday Milk) with a foreign direct investment (FDI) of more than RM100 million directed to drive the dairy industry.

The announcement was made when the company hosted Datuk Salahuddin Ayub, Minister of Agriculture and Agro- based Industry at their commercial fresh milk processing plant in Meru, Klang.

Salahuddin was welcomed by Etika Holdings Malaysia, Singapore and Brunei chief executive officer Khalid Alvi, where he was given a first-hand insight into Etika’s daily dairy operations and supply chains for Goodday Milk.

At the site visit, Etika also discussed its plans and initiatives to strengthen the dairy industry in Malaysia.

“Milk and other dairy products are a vital part of a balanced diet and we want to encourage our people to consume milk and milk products daily. To grow and sustain the local dairy industry ensures that the rakyat gets topquality milk but also opens up many job opportunities.

“The government believes that the agricultural sector and, in this instance, dairy farming, will help grow the Malaysian economy. As such we are happy to support Etika in their endeavours to further invest in our local dairy industry,” said Salahuddin.

The company has also collaborated with Koperasi Penternak Lembu Tenusu Negeri Johor Bhd (KPLTNJB) as part of its corporate social responsibility to provide additional incentives to local cow breeders.

This will include providing the corporative with ‘Milk Cooling Tanks’ that can hold a larger capacity of milk eventually assisting the breeders to increase their livestock numbers and subsequent milk production.

In addition, Etika will also sign an MOU contract with Saujana Feedmill and Agro Tech Sdn Bhd, Indahraya International Ventures Sdn Bhd, DDS Daily Fresh Milk and MADAC Sdn Bhd.

This MOU will enable local livestock breeders and agroprenuers in Meru, Klang to supply fresh milk to Etika Dairies Sdn Bhd.

With more than 1,700 dedicated employees and 40,000 retail partners across the country, Etika has been one of the leading contributors to Malaysia’s dairy industry for more than five decades with Goodday Milk.

“Our local farmers and cow breeders are the future of agriculture. Businesses like us along with the government, should give them the support they need to increase productivity, efficiency and grow our local dairy export businesses,” Khalid said.