‘Enough food supply and raw ingredients during Ramadan’

Abdul Yunus planting a pineapple plant as Ipoh city councillor Richard Ng (right), Ipoh City Council staff and residents look on during the community farm launch in Taman Desa Tambun Indah.

THERE is sufficient food supply and raw ingredients for Ramadan, says Perak domestic trade and consumerism committee chairman Datuk Abdul Yunus Jamahri.

“We will ensure there is enough supply during Ramadan,” he said in a press conference after launching the community garden in Taman Desa Tambun Indah, Ipoh.

“There have been no complaints of shortages so far.”

On talk about possible price hikes for items during the season, Abdul Yunus said they were not true.

“Price hike talk on social media is based on assumption.

“If there are such incidents, we urge the people to lodge a report with Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs Ministry for the necessary action to be taken,” he said.

Regarding the community garden, Abdul Yunus said it offered a good opportunity for residents to plant crops and share them with the community.

“People have a right to a healthy and safe environment.

“We encourage more people to plant trees and crops as such efforts are to be lauded.

“The government supports such initiatives whether they are by the community or through cooperation with local governments and agencies,” he added.

The Ipoh City Council has permitted urban farming or community garden projects since October last year.

Applications for farming projects are to be submitted to the city council’s Town Planning Department.

The Urban Community Farming Policy — a guideline to regulate urban farming in the country — was launched by former Housing and Local Government minister Datuk Zuraida Kamaruddin in August last year.

According to a city council spokesperson, there are currently 20 community gardens in Ipoh.