Normah (right, in red) showing Pasir Gudang mayor Datuk Mustaffa Kamal Shamsudin (second from left) around the community farm in Taman Mawar.
Pasir Gudang City Council (MBPG) plans to introduce more community farming initiatives next year to strengthen food security in the city.
MBPG chief whip Datuk Mohd Amin Ahmad said that around 30 community farming projects in the city were being managed primarily by neighbourhood committees comprising residents.
“I see community farming as a critical initiative to combat poverty and ensure food security.
“We are looking forward to expanding these projects throughout Pasir Gudang next year.
“Community gardens provide more than just fresh produce – they foster community bonds, promote self-reliance and support environmental sustainability,” he said.
Mohd Amin said introducing such projects helped lay a foundation for stronger community ties and greater self-sufficiency.
“These projects not only supply residents with fresh, home-grown produce but also make our society more resilient and self-reliant.
“Community farming supports national food security plans while building a sustainable food supply chain that protects against market disruptions.
“By providing affordable, nutritious produce, these gardens help ease the impact of inflation and high living costs faced by vulnerable communities,” he added.
Mohd Amin said community farming empowered low-income residents, the elderly, persons with disabilities and single mothers to have access to a more affordable, direct food source.
Meanwhile, Taman Mawar Women Community Farming chief Normah Kassim said her committee was planning on growing rice on a small scale at a site in Jalan Mawar.
“This year, we introduced an aquaponics system to our farm. This allows us to grow vegetables and breed catfish simultaneously,” she said.
“Previously we farmed chillies. This year we added brinjal and expanded our hydroponic cucumber farm.
“We are also planning to plant rice next year,” she said.
Normah said that support from MBPG had enabled the committee to grow from 30 to 45 members this year.
“We began with 30 women members in 2019. Now, with an additional 15 men to help with the manual labour required for the aquaponics system, we are stronger.”
She said their farm project had received positive feedback from the community and helped to reduce grocery costs.
“Our farm is open to everyone, so people are welcome to pick the vegetables they need,” she said.
