06/06/2026

SATURDAY | JUNE 6, 2026

6 Grape grower giving away free saplings

GUA MUSANG: Over the past two years, a Tasmanian grape grower in Taman Wangsa Mewangi here has been turning his harvest into a means of giving back by providing grapes and saplings free of charge to the community. Azizul Rahman Hamzah, 50, said nearly 100 visitors have come to his home to obtain grape saplings at no cost, in an effort to encourage more people to take up gardening. Azizul, who is a cook, said the public are also welcome to pick the grapes themselves, which are grown in his yard and now extend about 10m beyond the fence of his home. He said the idea of giving away the saplings for free came after realising that they are quite expensive on the market. “I bought a Tasmanian grape sapling measuring about 0.6m for RM90. Because of that, I decided to share my harvest with anyone o Kelantan resident aiming to encourage local community to try planting Tasmanian variety

evolving needs and expectations of consumers.“ Last year, ACO Beijing successfully organised the Taste of Malaysia Programme 2025, which featured a five-day online promotion through the Metro China app and a three-day offline promotion at the retailer’s flagship store in Beijing. The programme, involving 15 Malaysian companies and led by Metro China, generated sales of 51.49 million yuan (RM30.68 million), attracted 300,000 buyers and eight million visitors, received 2,500 enquiries and facilitated 250 business meetings. – Bernama Sharing his hopes, Azizul said he wants to see more locals take up grape cultivation so that it may become a new identity for the district. “I don’t mind sharing my blessings with the community. I hope more people will come to get the saplings so that we can grow grapes together and create an attractive landscape in Gua Musang.” community, Bernama reported. He said after seeing the success of several grape farmers in Rawang, Selangor, as well as in Bachok and Machang in Kelantan, he was motivated to try growing it at his home. He added that the results have proven Tasmanian grapes can thrive and bear fruit in Gua Musang, despite the common perception that they are only suitable for cooler climates. “Over the past two years, the grapevines have borne fruit throughout the year. The grapes take about two months to ripen, and I can harvest up to 20kg per season. “Many people think grapes can only be grown in cool or highland areas, but the climate in Gua Musang is also suitable.” Azizul said grapevines do not require complicated care, apart from sufficient sunlight and water supply, adding that the plants thrive with regular pruning and harvesting, and simple fertilisation methods.

According to Azizul, the vines grow well in Malaysian climate and the grapes take about two months to ripen. – BERNAMAPIC

According to Azizul, his interest in grape cultivation began during the Covid-19 pandemic, when gardening became a popular hobby among the

growing grapes on Facebook so that more people are aware and can come to collect the fruit or saplings according to their needs.”

interested in growing grapes but may not have the budget to purchase the saplings. “I also share information about

Taste of Malaysia initiative held in China KUALA LUMPUR: The Taste of Malaysia Programme has returned to China this year, with 30 premium food products from more than 11 Malaysian companies, as part of an effort to expand the presence of local agri-food products in one of the world’s largest consumer markets. In a statement to Bernama, ACO Beijing said the initiative aims to introduce Chinese consumers and businesses to the unique flavours and diversity of Malaysian agricultural and food products, while creating new market opportunities for local brands. “More than just a culinary showcase, the event underscores how food can serve as a bridge for friendship, understanding and The programme was organised in collaboration with Malaysia’s Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, Chinese service provider Overseas Prominent Brands, Shanghai Shangshu Yonghui Supermarket and Shangyou Selection Supermarket.

gathering direct consumer feedback to better understand Chinese preferences and acceptance of Malaysian agricultural products. Structured feedback from consumers and professional buyers at both supermarket chains will focus on product preferences, pricing, packaging and overall reception. The findings will be shared with participating Malaysian suppliers to support product improvements and market-entry strategies. “This direct feedback would help us ensure that Malaysia maintains the highest standards and consistently delivers products that meet the

The offline promotional campaign is being held from June 3 to 9, followed by a month-long livestream e-commerce marketing campaign to sustain brand visibility, expand consumer access to Malaysian products and drive both sales and online engagement. ACO Beijing said the programme also serves as a key platform for

Organised by the Agriculture Counsellor Office (ACO) at the Embassy of Malaysia in Beijing, the programme was launched by Malaysian Ambassador to China Datuk Norman Muhamad in Shanghai on June 3 in celebration of the 52nd anniversary of diplomatic relations between Malaysia and China.

collaboration, while aiming to elevate awareness of Malaysian agri-food excellence, strengthen trade ties and create new opportunities for Malaysian brands to enter or expand in the Chinese market.”