Huat Lai to build largest cage-free poultry farm in Malaysia

 

 

 

 

The project, praised by international NGO Lever Foundation, will more than quadruple the company's current cage-free capacity of 60,000 hens and marks a major shift in Malaysia's poultry industry towards animal welfare and sustainable practices.

 

"This new facility in Malaysia will allow us to supply cage-free eggs at a larger scale, ensuring a consistent supply for our clients," said Edvin Lim, Business Development Manager of Huat Lai Group. He added, "You need to take a bold move before your clients demand it."

 

Ten existing barns under Huat Lai, which already house 200,000 birds, are also set to be converted into cage-free systems over the next few months.

 

Consumer and corporate demand for cage-free eggs is accelerating. "In the past two to three years we've seen a remarkable shift in corporate demand for cage-free eggs," Lim noted, adding that once clients transition, they typically expect 100% cage-free supply—including shell, liquid and powder eggs.

 

Food companies in Malaysia already committing to cage-free sourcing include MYDIN, Jaya Grocer, AEON Malaysia, Village Grocer, Sunway Hotels & Resorts, Hatten Hotels, Old Town White Coffee and O'Brien's.

 

A GMO Research survey found that 77% of Malaysian consumers believe eggs sold by businesses should come from cage-free hens, with 62% willing to pay more—many accepting a 10–25% price premium.

 

Cage-free egg production allows hens to move freely in open spaces, which improves both animal welfare and food quality. Research by the European Food Safety Authority reports that such systems have up to 25 times lower contamination rates by key Salmonella strains.

 

"With the cage-free initiative, we are setting meaningful standards for Malaysia's poultry industry," said Daniel Lim, Sales Manager at Huat Lai.