Kota bharu: If her life was once filled with pressure and the adrenaline of saving patients in the operating theatre, a former cardiac anaesthesiologist at Universiti Sains Malaysia Specialist Hospital (HPUSM) has now found a new sense of peace in sheep and goat farming. Dr Saedah Ali, 59, who began her career as a medical doctor in 1992 and was involved in pioneering cardiac surgery services at HPUSM in 2001, ventured into livestock farming in June 2018, about four years before taking optional retirement in 2022.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr Saedah's interest in farming was sparked after seeing her late father's 1-hectare (2.5-acre) inherited land left overgrown with bushes and undergrowth, prompting her to develop it into a livestock farm as a side activity. Initially, she rented out the land to villagers for a nominal fee, but gradually, she embraced livestock farming as a form of therapy to relieve work-related stress.
She began with just eight goats, and the farm has since expanded to include approximately 250 sheep and 90 goats. Dr Saedah focuses on the Dorper breed, known for its premium meat quality, with most breeding stock imported from Australia. She also raises Boer goats and Boer crossbreeds for meat production, prioritizing natural feed sources to reduce dependency on bran and pellets.
Dr Saedah acknowledged challenges facing the local livestock industry, such as the influx of cheap imported goats affecting local breeders. She noted that some imported livestock may be of lower quality but still attract demand due to their affordability. Rising feed prices and weather-related challenges like droughts and floods further strain local breeders. She hopes for government intervention to protect the local industry and strengthen food security.
Beyond income generation, Dr Saedah's farm supports the community through a Corporate Social Initiative (CSI) collaboration with prison authorities, offering employment opportunities to parolees. The farm also serves as a practical training center for students from various educational institutions.
Her success in livestock farming is complemented by support from her husband, an ENT specialist at HPUSM, who assists with livestock care. Dr Saedah advises professionals to engage in outdoor activities or hobbies to prevent work-related stress and maintain an active lifestyle post-retirement.