February 13, 2026

 

Malaysia's Jemaluang Dairy Valley  in partnership to set up integrated dairy farm and processing plant in Cambodia

 

Cambodian agricultural firm DP Majas Chamkar Co., Ltd. has entered into a landmark $10 million partnership with Malaysia's Jemaluang Dairy Valley Sdn. Bhd. to establish an integrated dairy farm and processing plant, aiming to slash the country's heavy reliance on imported milk.

 

The memorandum of understanding was finalised on February 7 at the Hyatt Regency Phnom Penh. The signing ceremony featured DP Majas Chamkar, CEO Tieng Phalla, and Jemaluang Dairy Valley chairman Qasem Athasan, with Neak Oknha Mam Vandy, chairman of the board of DP Majas Chamkar, in attendance.

 

The venture seeks to address a persistent supply-demand imbalance in Cambodia. While the domestic appetite for fresh dairy is surging, the market remains largely served by foreign brands. To initiate the project, the partnership has already secured an order for 500 dairy cattle from Australia.

 

"This marks a new chapter for 2026," said Tieng Phalla. "By partnering with a Malaysian leader that holds international technical standards, we are not just seeking profit; we are focused on creating jobs and building a "Product of Cambodia" brand that the nation can be proud of."

 

DP Majas Chamkar is a key player in the regional livestock sector, managing over 3,000 premium beef cattle, including Japanese Wagyu, Australian Angus, American Brahman, and French Charolais, at its facility in Kampong Chhnang province.

 

Mam Vandy said that the strategic pivot into dairy was driven by shifting consumer habits and a growing "Buy Khmer" sentiment.

 

"We observed that domestic production cannot yet meet daily demand," he said. "With the Royal Government's encouragement for local investment, we decided to commit $10 million to establish a high-standard factory. This is about turning a market challenge into a national investment opportunity."

 

The project will draw on the technical expertise of Jemaluang Dairy Valley, a Malaysian firm with government-backed equity.

 

Qasem Athasan, who famously scaled Jemaluang from a four-cow operation to a herd of 5,000, said the Cambodian facility would prioritise biosecurity and advanced infrastructure.

 

"Success in dairy isn't just about having the cows; it's about the technical skill in nutrition, care, and the production chain," Athasan stated. "Our focus will be on quality, safety, and hygiene to ensure Cambodian consumers receive premium-grade fresh milk."

 

The joint venture aligns with the Cambodian government's broader economic vision to modernise the agricultural sector and reduce the national trade deficit.

 

The new facility is expected to begin production later this year.

 

- AKP