Kuala Lumpur:Kampung Air Merah A bee breeding project under the SejaTi MADANI Programme has significantly impacted the economy of the Kampung Air Merah community. Thirteen participants from the B40 group and asnaf have successfully generated RM19,108 in sales over a year through the stingless bee breeding initiative.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the RM100,000 community economic project has produced 95.54 kilograms of kelulut honey from May 2025 to August 2026. This venture provides additional income for participants and contributes to the Village Development and Security Committee (JPKK) fund.
Village chief Muftahuddin Fakeh explained that 70% of the sales proceeds benefit the participants, while the remaining 30% supports the Kampung Air Merah JPKK account. The project, which began on December 15, 2024, utilizes 0.8 hectares of vacant land on Jalan Salleh with 66 stingless bee hive stumps organized into six plots.
Initially intended as an environmental project, the initiative shifted to beekeeping to empower the local economy. Participants and committee members receive guidance through talks, visits, and practical training, covering aspects such as site preparation, stump handling, maintenance, harvesting, and marketing.
Project manager Jamilah Salleh noted that the stumps were purchased for RM750 each from As Dihan Enterprise in Pahang. Honey is harvested every 21 to 30 days, influenced by weather and season, with one plot producing up to six kilograms of honey or 30 bottles monthly. The honey retails at RM40 per 200-gram bottle, with a total production capacity of around 100 bottles per month.
The project involves two to three participants per plot, registered under eKasih, providing them with ongoing economic opportunities. The honey is marketed weekly at the Friday Market and to regular customers, with plans for marketing training to expand distribution. Future production expansion is contingent on additional funding.
Contributions from the Agriculture Department, such as honeycombs and protective cages, have also supported the project. The SejaTi MADANI programme aims to enhance community economic activities by providing funds of RM50,000 to RM100,000, empowering local residents' socio-economic status.