RM30 million plan aims to boost dairy output and cut feed imports
Malaysia is accelerating efforts to become fully self-sufficient in fresh milk production, setting a 100 percent target by 2028 as part of a broader strategy to strengthen food security and reduce import dependence.
SSR Shows Steady Progress Since 2021
The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security aims to achieve a 100 percent Self-Sufficiency Ratio for fresh milk by 2028. Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said the National Dairy Industry Development Programme 2021 to 2025 has already met its five-year production target of 20 million litres, signaling strong implementation progress.
Malaysia’s fresh milk SSR rose from 56.7 percent in 2021 to 57.3 percent in 2022, and further climbed to 66.8 percent in 2023. Although the ratio dipped slightly to 66.7 percent in 2024, Mohamad attributed the marginal decline to lower participation among small-scale breeders.
RM30 Million Boost Under 13th Malaysia Plan
To meet the 2028 target, the government is rolling out the National Dairy Production Strengthening Project under the 13th Malaysia Plan with a RM30 million allocation or approximately SGD 2,400,000.
The funding will focus on expanding livestock populations and equipping farmers with modern dairy technology to improve productivity and efficiency across the supply chain.
Tackling Rising Feed Costs
Rising animal feed prices have pressured fresh milk production costs. In response, the ministry plans to develop 136,527 hectares of cultivation land capable of producing 1.25 million tonnes of feed annually.
Authorities are also investing in high-potential maize varieties and researching local feed alternatives such as palm kernel cake, soy waste, and moringa leaves to reduce reliance on imported feed ingredients.
Strengthening Domestic Demand
Beyond supply measures, the government will launch a national campaign this year to promote locally produced fresh milk. The initiative aims to raise awareness of its nutritional benefits and encourage consumption of natural milk without added sugar.
By stimulating both production and demand, policymakers hope to create a more resilient dairy ecosystem that supports farmers while stabilizing consumer prices.
Broader Food Security Strategy
Mohamad highlighted that strengthening the dairy sector forms part of Malaysia’s broader food security framework. Increasing domestic output reduces vulnerability to global supply disruptions and currency volatility.
The steady upward trend in SSR since 2021 reflects structural improvements in the industry, though sustained breeder participation and cost management will be critical to reaching full self-sufficiency.
Malaysia’s ambition to reach 100 percent fresh milk self-sufficiency by 2028 underscores a regional shift toward stronger food security strategies. As neighboring economies such as Singapore continue to diversify food sources, Malaysia’s dairy expansion could reshape agricultural trade dynamics across Southeast Asia while reinforcing domestic resilience.
Sources: Malay Mail (2026) , Bernama (2026)
Keywords: Fresh Milk SSR Malaysia, National Dairy Industry Development Programme, Mohamad Sabu, Malaysia Feed Production, Dairy Sector Reform
