Arau: Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis branch has launched a ginger farming project in collaboration with the Perlis Correctional Centre, aiming to provide inmates with valuable skills for reintegration into society. The initiative, executed through UiTM’s startup Athanliz Innovations Sdn Bhd (AISB), focuses on training inmates in ginger farming for commercial purposes.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, UiTM Perlis rector, Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Nizan Mat Noor, stated that the project, named ‘Halia Di Penjara: Biar Benih Jadi Jasa and Kenangan’, involves 12 male inmates who are mentored by six entrepreneurs from AISB. The program’s objective is to enable participants to generate income post-release. The first phase of the project commenced in September 2024 with the planting of 300 kilogrammes of ginger seeds at the correctional facility.

The project, supported by a RM40,000 grant from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia, includes comprehensive five-month training in business fundamentals, digital marketing, product manufacturing, and packaging. The inmates will also receive six months of monitoring following their training to ensure successful implementation of their skills.

The 12 inmates completed their training module developed by the university’s Management and Business Faculty and received certificates. Dr Ahmad Nizan highlighted that the ginger harvest, anticipated in April, is expected to yield approximately 700 kg, which will be processed and commercialized.

AISB managing director Dr Athifah Najwani Shahidan mentioned that the harvested ginger will be transformed into four products: aromatherapy ginger balm, ginger hair oil, ginger gummies, and ginger juice powder. The plan is to produce 500 units of each product initially, in collaboration with local entrepreneurs for promotion and marketing. Initially, these products will be available at the Perlis Correctional Centre, AISB’s Ar-Rehlah Caf©, AISB’s marketing platforms, and local farmers’ markets.