Selangor is expanding its community-garden programme to strengthen food security and promote urban agriculture.
State infrastructure and agriculture committee chairman Datuk Izham Hashim said the initiative aligned with the Selangor Agro Transformation Plan (Peta) – aimed at securing the food supply chain “from seed and breeding to marketing”.
The plan seeks to improve productivity and boost incomes in the agricultural sector.
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“Community gardens encourage residents to produce their own food while strengthening neighbourly bonds,” Izham told StarMetro.
“They also reduce dependency on external food sources.”
As of last year, the state had 391 registered community gardens monitored by local councils and Selangor Agriculture Department. Of this, 86% are located in urban areas.
Izham said the state allocated RM1.295mil with the provision of seeds, tools and equipment to assist 150 gardens.
The department also built 13 rain-shelter systems for the Melon Selangor (MeloSel) programme to support community cultivation of the high-value melons.
“Harvested fruits can be sold through the online auction system of Koperasi Warga Hijrah Selangor (Kohijrah),” Izham said.
He added that the state welcomed applications from residents of flats and PPRs interested in starting their own community gardens.
This was provided residents identified suitable land and register their projects with the local authority.
“The government is open to assisting any community that wants to begin urban farming.”
The Peta programme also involves universities and schools.
In Shah Alam, UiTM Kolej Melati students are running an aquaponics project combining tilapia rearing and leafy-vegetable cultivation.
Another project launched in July 2025 involves ginger- in-basket planting in 19 schools across Shah Alam, Klang and Ampang.
A successful example, Izham said, was the Jalan Tuntung Community Garden managed largely by retirees in Section 20, Shah Alam.
This farm is often cited at the national level for its efficient organisation and productive yield.
The Jalan Tuntung garden has also won first place in many state community garden competitions.
Izham said the state was aware of challenges faced by community gardens including limited space, funding and manpower, particularly in dense residential areas.
“We are studying modern, compact agricultural systems requiring less land but produce higher returns,” he said.
Several local councils have also launched competitions to recognise active gardens, including Klang’s Green Circular Economy (Community Garden) contest.
He said the state was planning a Selangor-wide competition and a periodic community-produce market to help gardens promote their harvests.
“Even a small garden behind a flat can make a big difference. It improves the environment, builds community spirit and contributes to our food- security goals,” Izham said. – By MEGAT SYAHAR
