Organic options: Khaw showing the vegetables grown in his farm in Jalan Kelawai. George Town.
GEORGE TOWN: Malaysians are resorting to healthier foods now, especially for Chinese New Year.
Ask urban farmer Ruddie Khaw, 57.
Demand for his lettuce has tripled, although it costs more than twice as much as the regular vegetable.
His lettuces are grown using a tightly monitored system within a greenhouse that keeps them free from insects and weather pollution.
“The vegetables are farmed using a hydroponic rack system. I used to harvest about 60kg a week, but this week, I had to harvest about 200kg to cater to market traders who have started ordering since the end of last year.
“My vegetables cost about double to triple the price of the normal ones.
“Demand is high as consumers seek better-quality food now,” he said at his farm in Jalan Kelawai yesterday.
Khaw said he used only natural enzymes instead of insecticides to keep pests away.
“The vegetables are not exposed to rain, fumes and pollutants from the ground and air, while the water used for irrigation contains no heavy metals or residues of chemicals.
“The vegetables are not just healthier but mature in better condition. They weigh twice as much as those grown on the ground on farms.
“Normally, a head of lettuce weighs between 70g and 80g per plant. Mine weighs between 150g and 200g.
“After each harvest, we need to flush and clean the entire system before replanting to uphold water quality,” he said.
Meanwhile, Best Wins Organic store director Sam Lim said more people have been choosing organic products since the Covid-19 pandemic.
“Many people are now opting for products that are lower in sugar or artificial ingredients to protect their health.
“This year, we have been receiving a good response for organic-certified mandarin oranges from China, although they cost just 10% more than the normal ones,” he said, adding that organically grown items like choy sum, siew pak choy and tofu were also sought by many for the festive season.
Meanwhile, last-minute shoppers were seen in many markets rushing to stock up ahead of the reunion dinner today.
Bun seller Vincent Tan, 38, said the number of orders for his ang koo (bean paste cake) and mee koo (red tortoise bun) has tripled for this festive celebration.
“These items cannot be kept for long, so customers can only buy them just before the festival.”
