KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 28: A regional collaboration to promote animal welfare and sustainable farming practices, Asia Cage-Free Association Alliance (ACFAA), was recently launched at an event organised by the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation (MCFEPO).
The launch was officiated by the Chairman of Malaysian Indian Transformation Unit (MITRA) and Member of Parliament for Batu, Prabakaran Parameswaran.
The alliance has brought together cage-free associations from India, Malaysia, and Indonesia, signifying a new era of regional cooperation for advancing humane and sustainable cage-free egg production in Asia, a press statement issued by ACFAA said.
A Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) was signed at the event to establish ACFAA. The MoU was signed by representatives from the region: Shunmugam Sethuraman, Chairman of Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producer’s Organisation; Manjunath Marappan, Secretary of India Cage-Free and Free-Range Poultry Producers Association; and Kristina Yolanda, Chairperson of the Indonesian Cage-Free Association.
Prabakaran and Dr. Saravanakumar S. Pillai, Senior Adviser for Farm Animal Welfare, Policy, and Engagement at Humane Society International (HSI), witnessed the signing ceremony.
“The launch of ACFAA is part of a broader effort by Humane Society International (HSI) to support and promote cage-free farming practices globally. By building strong regional collaborations, HSI aims to accelerate the transition to better welfare, sustainable food systems and ensure better lives for both farm animals and farmers,” said Dr Pillai in the statement.
By bringing together like-minded organizations, ACFAA aims to strengthen advocacy, research, and capacity building in the cage-free poultry sector, he said.
“Through collaborative efforts, the alliance will strive to enhance producer knowledge, influence policies, and create a sustainable supply chain that prioritizes animal welfare and environmental conservation.”
Prabakaran commended the ACFAA’s formation, calling it a proud moment for Malaysia and for Asia as a whole.
“This is not just about animal welfare, it’s about reshaping how we approach food production with sustainability and compassion at the forefront. By prioritizing cage-free farming practices, we are sending a strong message to the global community: Asia is ready to lead the way in ethical farming.”
Dr. Pillai, reiterating the significance of the collaboration, said it was a transformative moment for animal welfare and sustainable farming in Asia.
“This alliance exemplifies what can be achieved when nations come together with a shared vision of improving lives not only for farm animals but also for the farmers and consumers who benefit from healthier and more ethical food systems. ACFAA will serve as a platform to exchange ideas, share best practices, and advocate for humane and sustainable solutions in the egg production industry. “
–WE