PAPAR: The tilapia fish farming and hydroponic lettuce projects by the Kampung Tamui Entrepreneur Community have not only boosted the local economy but also promoted a proactive and sustainable lifestyle among rural residents.
Launched in August last year under the Sejahtera Komuniti (SejaTI) Madani Programme, these initiatives have successfully introduced environmentally-friendly farming and aquaculture practices on a small scale, while raising awareness about food security.
The community, which consists of 11 members, including nine women aged between 40 and 63, views the projects as a “mind therapy garden” that enhances motivation, productivity, and bridges income gaps while transforming the rural economy.
Kampung Tamui Entrepreneur Community chairperson, Hamidah Abdullah, shared that the red tilapia farming in cement ponds and hydroponic lettuce cultivation have begun yielding results, with the first harvest and sales made last April.
“We started the tilapia farming with 3,000 fish seedlings. We have already sold around 60 kilograms (kg) of fish at RM16 per kg and demand has been very encouraging, especially from local traders and residents,” she said.
“Customers either come to purchase directly, or we deliver their orders, Hamidah said, adding that she is also planning to expand the business by introducing catfish farming, starting with 200 fish seedlings.
While Hamidah had no prior experience in freshwater fish farming, she attended training courses to learn the technical aspects and efficient management of fish farming in cement ponds. This included care and feeding practices to ensure high-quality results.
“We have four ponds dedicated to tilapia farming: two smaller ponds for seedlings until they mature, and two larger ponds. Each pond houses 1,000 fish,” she explained.
Meanwhile, the hydroponic lettuce farming has been equally successful, with vendors purchasing up to five kg of lettuce at RM15 per kg, and plans are underway to expand from 580 pots to 1,000 pots to meet growing demand.
“We are also redesigning the planting layout to a tiered system, making it easier to harvest, maintain, and accommodate more lettuce plants,” Hamidah said.
The decision to focus on tilapia farming in cement ponds and hydroponic lettuce cultivation stemmed from their ease of management.
Community member Rusmineh Madisim, 53, shared her enthusiasm for participating in the project, as it not only boosted her income but also allowed her to learn new skills, particularly in hydroponic vegetable cultivation.
“I sell the lettuce at the weekly market every Thursday. A 300-gram bunch is sold for RM5, and the response has been great,” she said, expressing hope that such rural economic programmes would be expanded to benefit more people.
Junaidah Abdullah, 63, a retired civil servant, believes the hydroponic lettuce project offers significant returns, is easy to maintain, and does not require chemical fertilisers, making it a healthier option.
For Martin Edwin, 53, the programme provides an excellent platform for community members to share knowledge and generate additional income.
With funding of up to RM100,000, the Sejati Madani programme, launched in 2024, aims to drive economic growth at the community level and improve the livelihoods of local residents in line with the Madani Economic Framework.
