KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — Huat Lai Resources Berhad has become Malaysia’s largest cage-free egg producer after obtaining the Certified Humane accreditation from the United States-based Humane Farm Animal Care (HFAC), marking a major milestone in the country’s animal-welfare and sustainable food production landscape.
The Melaka-based company’s Cage-Free Egg Production Unit received certification on October 7, followed by its Cage-Free Liquid Egg Facility a day later. Huat Lai is the fourth Malaysian producer to achieve Certified Humane status for cage-free eggs – and the first to be certified for cage-free liquid egg production.
The certification, recognised globally for its science-based animal welfare standards, requires hens to be raised in spacious, cage-free environments with proper nesting, perching, and dust-bathing areas, as well as stringent requirements on feed, lighting, ventilation, and veterinary oversight verified through independent audits.
According to the Humane World for Animals and the Malaysia Cage-Free Egg Producers Organisation (MCFEPO), the certification demonstrates that large-scale commercial farming can coexist with world-class animal welfare and production efficiency.
“This milestone represents Malaysia’s transformation from conventional systems to truly better-welfare farming,” said Dr Saravanakumar S. Pillai, senior principal for policy and engagement at Humane World for Animals, a non-profit.
“Huat Lai’s leadership proves that the nation’s largest producers can champion animal welfare without compromising productivity or profitability. It sets a benchmark for Southeast Asia, a clear sign that compassion and commerce can thrive together.”
Dr Saravanakumar added that the dual certification “signals Malaysia’s readiness to be a global voice in better welfare food production”, positioning the country as a responsible agricultural nation committed to ethical and sustainable growth.
MCFEPO chairman-elect Meor Ezree Syazrin Meor Abdul Ghani described the accreditation as a collective achievement for Malaysia’s producers and industry partners.
“Huat Lai’s Certified Humane accreditation reflects the maturity of our industry and the strength of partnerships between producers, corporates, and welfare advocates. As the country’s largest cage-free producer, Huat Lai now serves as a role model for future transitions across the nation,” he said.
Daniel Lim, sales and distribution manager, egg category, at Huat Lai Resources, said the certification crowns years of groundwork and investment.
“This certification marks a defining chapter in our company’s journey,” Lim said. “It reflects years of preparation, technological investment, and unwavering commitment to responsible farming. We are honoured to lead Malaysia’s cage-free transition and thank Humane World for Animals and MCFEPO for their guidance and trust.”
With both shell and liquid egg operations now Certified Humane, Huat Lai Resources stands as Malaysia’s largest and most advanced cage-free producer.
The company’s achievement underscores Malaysia’s growing reputation as a regional hub for better-welfare, sustainable egg production and may encourage more farms to follow suit.
The HFAC runs the Certified Humane programme, one of the world’s leading farm-animal welfare labelling systems. The certification covers the humane treatment of animals in food production – from birth through slaughter – based on rigorous, science-based standards developed with veterinarians and animal-welfare experts.
Products carrying the Certified Humane label undergo regular, independent audits to verify compliance with welfare, environmental, and management requirements.
The programme is widely recognised in North America, Europe, and Asia as a credible assurance of ethically sourced, animal-derived food.
