Ayer molek: The vegetable garden tended by Mohd Khaironnie Ng Mohd Raisman Ng, 41, not only provides a steady source of fresh produce for his family but also brings a wider benefit to the community, with excess harvest shared among local residents.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the private sector worker, who lives in Kampung Bukit Durian, Ayer Molek, said he has been cultivating the vegetable garden on a 30-square-metre plot for the past 10 years. "It began as a hobby and something to do in my free time, mainly to let my four children, aged seven to 15, get to know the different plants and insects in the garden," he explained.

However, the garden slowly grew over time, and Mohd Khaironnie now has about 1,200 hydroponic planting holes growing various leafy vegetables. The garden can produce between 100 and 300 kg of vegetables each month, he told Bernama.

Besides hydroponic farming, Mohd Khaironnie also grows eggplant, okra, and corn in soil, using about 150 used tyres repurposed as planting pots. "I try to use organic farming methods as much as possible, using wood vinegar for pest control and planting flowering plants to attract predatory insects that feed on pests," he said.

In addition to vegetables, Mohd Khaironnie rears around 50 Lohmann Brown laying hens, capable of producing between 40 and 50 eggs daily, as well as 50 free-range chickens for fresh meat. To manage waste, he uses rice husks in the chicken coop, replacing them every two months, with the used husks composted and reused as fertiliser for plants.

The surplus produce, such as leafy vegetables, is sold to local villagers at prices ranging from RM3 to RM5 per pack, or in a combo of four types of vegetables priced at RM10. Fresh eggs are sold at market prices depending on grade, with the proceeds used to replant vegetables and purchase chicken feed.

Mohd Khaironnie's activities on social media have inspired many to consider farming and chicken-rearing as a viable way to obtain fresh supplies, reduce living costs, and ensure food security. "My social media sharing has attracted many visitors to my garden, and I also run classes for people interested in learning small-scale farming and chicken-rearing, based on my experience since 2016," he added.