2011/06/15
By Ahmad Fairuz Othman
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A little-known goat farm in Kluang is drawing thousands of foreign tourists monthly
ASIX-KILOMETRE dirt road near Kluang leads to a picturesque farm that looks exactly like something out of New Zealand or Australia.
The farm spans more than 40 hectares, its sprawling fields of grass grazed by some 7,000 goats and sheep. Amid the greenery, the rustic-looking main building houses a restaurant, reception area, meeting room and souvenir shop.
This impressive enterprise was initiated by agro-entrepreneur Goh Un Keng, who started out as a goat milk farmer 11 years ago.
"I wanted to create a place where people could visit while learning something about agriculture and farming," said Goh, who was born 46 years ago into a family of farmers from Parit Yaani, near Batu Pahat.
"I am a kampung boy through and through. My parents cultivated cocoa, durian orchards, rubber and oil palms. It was only natural for me to follow in their footsteps."
Goh officially opened UK Farm (UK is Goh's initials for Un Keng) on May 1 last year. On the farm, one will find accommodation, a herb garden, restaurant, ostrich pen, archery house, mini zoo, barbecue facilities, Orang Asli village showcase and safari-style bus rides that go around the farm.
Goh said some 20,000 local visitors as well as tourists from Singapore, Taiwan, India and China visit the farm every month.
"Tourists find out about us through Facebook or by word of mouth. We also have good cooperation from travel agents who arrange for tour buses to come straight to the farm."
Goh attributes the success of UK Farm to good management and a high level of cleanliness in its facilities, including its public toilets. This writer was impressed with the cleanliness of its spacious public toilets, not unlike those one would find in five-star establishments.
Goh's idea of rearing goats began 13 years ago while he was clearing up his smallholding in Parit Yaani. When he asked a worker to clear up some bushes for replanting, the worker replied in jest: "Why don't you rear goats? They can do that job for you."
Goh at first thought the worker was being sarcastic, but upon further reflection, he realised that goats were not only profitabe for meat but could also be useful for clearing up patches of grass. Their manure would be a natural fertiliser too.
He soon bought his first three goats -- one male and two females -- to rear for their meat.
As his livestock increased, he began to venture into goat milk production. In 2000, he began to expand the milking section of his farm in Parit Yaani.
This led to a HACCP-certified fresh goat milk production facility, the first in Malaysia and among only six such facilities in the world.
HACCP stands for Hazard Analysis Critical Control Point, a management system to ensure the safety and cleanliness of food.
In 2006, Goh submited a proposal for the UK Farm, and his idea was taken up by the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry.
The dream became a reality when the 40.47ha farm opened its doors last year.
Now, there are 2,000 goats comprising the Jamnapari, British Alpine, Tauernsheck and Saanen breeds. In addition, there are 5,000 sheep comprising the Domba Garut, Damara, Barbados, Santa Ines, Malin and Dorper breeds.
Goh said the number of goats increases on a daily basis, as between 50 and 60 kids are born daily on the farm.
Just like sheep farms in foreign countries, sheep dogs are seen helping out the farmhands in the herding work.
Goh has employed a Myanmar national to take charge of training the sheep dog, which is a New Zealand and Austalian mixed breed.
"My next goal is to collaborate with local varsities to bring in agriculture students to the farm. This way, the younger generation would receive hands-on training pertaining to agro industries," said Goh.
UK Farms has a restaurant that serves goat milk and goat milk ice cream, among other delicacies. Barbecues are also conducted in an open-air area beside the restaurant for guests who stay over.
There are nine chalets which can accommodate 240 guests at a time. There are plans to set up another 26 chalets soon.
"Students often come here for their team-building programmes."
Visitors may also purchase UK Farm products made from goat meat and goat milk which are only sold on the premises. These products include halal frozen goat meat, lamb, goat milk shampoo, lotion and body wash.
A souvenir shop also sells leather products like jackets and bags made of goat skin. Lovers of coffee can also enjoy the drink mixed with goat milk at either the restaurant or a rustic open-air cafe by the grazing field.
UK Farm offers several packages ranging from a 3-day, 2-night dormitory stay to two days and a night in a chalet or dormitory. There are two- to three-hour tour packages priced from RM50 for adults and RM45 for children between 3 and 12 years.
The UK Farm is at Lot 8, Projek Pertanian Moden, Km13 Jalan Batu Pahat, near Kluang. For enquiries, call 07-759 7551 or log on to www.ukfarm.com.my.
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