27/07/2025

ON SUNDAY JULY 27, 2025 theSunday Special III

Sustainable lifestyle Urban farming has gained significant traction on social media, but it is far PRUH WKDQ D ÀHHWLQJ WUHQG ,W DGGUHVVHV IRRG LQVHFXULW\ ¿QDQFLDO SUHVVXUHV and sustainability in cities. It is a vital step towards a greener future. Urban farming empowers people to grow their own food, reduce waste and reconnect with nature, even in limited spaces. Hafez Zahruddin, an educa tor with a passion for plants, nature and sustainable living, has spent over a decade explor ing all aspects of gardening, from ornamental plants to urban DJULFXOWXUH 7KURXJK VRFLDO PH dia and local plant communities, Hafez started a business selling a variety of decorative plants and vegetable seedlings. Now, he’s looking to do more with his knowledge by organis ing workshops and initiating community garden projects. “I think everyone should practise urban gardening or farming. In my small way, I try to encourage others to grow their food. I often share free vegetable seeds with friends, family and fellow gardening enthusiasts, especially those who are just starting. Sometimes, people just need that small push to get going. If I can help VRPHRQH JURZ WKHLU ¿UVW kangkung, ulam raja or basil, that’s already a success for me,” said Hafez. Hafez has been gardening since he was in school. Over time, his passion deepened. He enjoys cultivating both ornamental and edible plants such as roses, cacti, herbs and vegetables. Recently, he has become particularly drawn to sustainable methods.

Should urban farming be prioritised over landscape gardening? Both serve essential but different purposes. Ur ban farming supports sustainability and food security, while landscape gardening contributes to visual appeal and mental wellness. From prioritised oth serve ses. Ur ability cape ual m e a climate and food resilience standpoint, Kok believes ur ban farming deserves greater support. Ideally, however, the two can be combined to create green spaces that are both functional and beautiful. “ 8UEDQ IDUPLQJ R̆ HUV PDQ\ EHQH¿WV VXFK DV DFFHVV WR IUHVK food, reduced stress, increased environmental awareness and stronger community ties. It en courages healthier eating habits, especially in children who get to experience how food is grown. It also revitalises neglected urban spaces. In the long term, urban farming helps build more resilient and eco-conscious communities,” said Kok. Urban farming can begin small and simple. From shared herb gardens and vertical planters on balconies to rooftop vegetable beds and composting areas, it often starts with just a few passionate residents and evolves into a broader FRPPXQLW\ H̆ RUW (DFK FRPPXQLW\ KDV GL̆ HUHQW QHHGV DQG UHVRXUFHV 7KH NH\ LV to start with what’s practical and involve others. From a few pots on a balcony to larger shared plots, every bit counts. “When Shah Alam City Hall rented out community plots of land for urban farming, a friend of mine applied and secured one at a very low rental rate. Instead of choosing the usual edible route, he transformed it into an Anthurium farm, a collector’s plant series valued for d n ts, et to It also spaces. ing helps conscious small and

“I’m exploring no-till gardening, which preserves soil structure to support healthy microbial life. I use mycorrhizal fungi, Trichoderma and Beauveria bassiana to enrich the soil and manage pests naturally. I’m also composting kitchen waste at KRPH DV SDUW RI P\ H̆ RUW WR UHGXFH ZDVWH and create a more self-sustaining garden system,” he explained. Urban farming deserves more focus and priority, especially in today’s world where sustainability is becoming in creasingly urgent. While landscaping contributes to beauty and well-being, it does not need to be purely decorative. Functional landscaping is also achievable by incorporating herbs, edible plants and fruit trees to create spaces that are both attractive and productive. “Urban farming isn’t just about veg etables. It helps manage the rising cost RI OLYLQJ (YHQ JURZLQJ VLPSOH LWHPV OLNH spring onions, chilli or sawi can make D GL̆ HUHQFH :H DOVR UHGXFH WKH XVH RI harmful chemicals and most importantly, we know exactly what goes into our food,” he pointed out. 7 he first step in introducing urban farming in condominiums or residential areas is identifying suitable spaces such as rooftops, corridors, green pockets or other underutilised communal areas. Seek approval from building management and make sure the space is neat and low maintenance. Bring together interested residents, plan the budget and set up a maintenance schedule. “For residential areas, choose edible plants that are both practical and visually appealing. Red or green lettuce, kale and mustard greens all have attractive foliage. 7KH\ JURZ LQ URVHWWHV DGGLQJ WH[WXUH WR the space. Kangkung, sawi and spinach DUH JUHDW WRR 7KH\ JURZ IDVW DQG WKHLU EXVKLQHVV DGGV YROXPH ,I \RX QHHG WR ¿OO up trellises or fences, climbing plants like winged beans, cucumbers

Kangkung μϰ¾ēłĢϰĐěĢţěϰ¾łϰţ¾ŊãľϰłĻÿě¾Ùüμϰ grows rapidly and its bushiness adds ŢĢēŏęãϰŊĢϰ¾ěũϰŏľØ¾ěϰö¾ľęϰē¾ěßłÙ¾Ļãλ

its beauty and uniqueness. Some might argue it’s not traditional urban farming because it’s not edible, but to me, it still is. He cultivated and managed the land sustainably, drawing customers from DFURVV 0DOD\VLD 6LQJDSRUH DQG 7KDLODQG DQG WXUQHG LW LQWR D WKULYLQJ EXVLQHVV 7KLV shows that urban farming isn’t just about vegetables, it’s about making meaningful use of urban space, whether for food, beauty or livelihood,” he explained.

and bunga telang are perfect for creating a lush green wall,” Hafez suggested. Don’t wait for the perfect setup. Just get started. Use recycled

containers, begin with easy plants and learn as you go. Urban gardening is not about perfection. It’s about consistency. Join local gardening groups, attend events, share tips and stay inspired. Most importantly, enjoy the process because garden ing teaches more than how to grow plants. It nurtures patience, mindfulness and self-care. “Follow online communities

WR OHDUQ DQG JHW VXSSRUW 7KHUH are many social media groups dedicated to urban farming. Observe your plants closely, do your research, learn about the plant DQG LI \RX IDLO WKH ¿UVW WLPH OHDUQ IURP the mistake,” Hafez advised.

Observe your plants closely, do your research, learn about the plant and if you fail ŊüãϰżľłŊϰŊÿęãμϰēã¾ľěϰöľĢęϰŊüãϰęÿłŊ¾Đãλ

Hafez is an educator who is passionate about Ļē¾ěŊłμϰě¾Ŋŏľãϰ¾ěßϰłŏłŊ¾ÿě¾ØēãϰēÿŢÿě÷λ