Jamaliah (back row, centre) with Selangor Environmental Small Grant Programme 2024 recipients in Shah Alam. — RAJA FAISAL HISHAN/The Star
ALMOST 200 applicants were successful in the Selangor Environmental Small Grant Programme 2024, focusing on community gardens and rainwater harvesting systems.
Since the programme opened on June 1, it received 248 applications, out of which 192 were approved.
State public health and environment committee chairman Jamaliah Jamaluddin said the grant allocation was worth RM600,000.
It will be distributed through residents associations (RA), Rukun Tetangga (RT), Village Community Management Councils (MPKK), non-governmental organisations, religious institutions and educational institutions.
“The selection of these categories was the result of discussions between state government agencies,” said Jamaliah during the grant handover ceremony at the State Secretariat in Shah Alam.
Community gardens, she said, will not only help urban farmers grow produce such as fruits and vegetables but also improve their physical and mental health.
“Additionally, community gardens can address issues related to overgrown vegetation on vacant land.
“Rainwater harvesting systems will also help conserve water by utilising what is collected for various purposes, reducing the need for tap water.
“For instance, rainwater can be used to flushing toilets or water plants.”
Jamaliah said the rainwater harvesting system was especially useful for residents in landed properties.
Taman Mayang Jaya RA secretary Tan Joo Koon received the grant in the RA category.
He said they have been awarded the grant three years in a row since 2021.
He added that the Taman Mayang Jaya community garden in SS26, Petaling Jaya, would cultivate a herb garden.
“With this grant, we plan to buy equipment to maintain the garden,” he said.
