THE morning air at 1Razak Mansion in Salak South, Kuala Lumpur, carried the scent of freshly cut herbs.
Senior citizens gathered around tables filled with daun kaduk (wild betel leaf) and pegaga (pennywort) harvested just steps from their flats.
Some carefully picked leaves from assorted edible greenery still damp from washing, while others chopped ingredients and exchanged stories about kampung meals they grew up with.
The group had gathered in a thriving space within the urban housing landscape, which has transformed what was once an underutilised common area into a flourishing “food forest”.
The nasi ulam cooking class at Razak Mansion Food Forest brought together some 20 residents aged 60 to 86 in a session blending food, memories and community spirit.
Conducted by permaculturist Judy Chua, the class used five varieties of ulam grown entirely within the flats’ premises under the Soil-U-Tion Regenerative Ecosystem.
1Razak Mansion Management Corporation (MC) chairman Anthony Tan said the food forest was a previously underutilised 560sqm site.
“It is helping to restore biodiversity by using forest- style planting methods to grow food naturally.
“More than 80 species of plants, vegetables and ulam are currently grown here,” he said.
Tan explained that the Soil-U-tion Regenerative Ecosystem was a community farming project that turned unused urban spaces into gardens producing healthy, chemical-free food while restoring soil health, improving food security and empowering persons with disabilities and local communities.
“The site is also being developed into a learning centre for environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices, where communities can learn and share knowledge about these principles.
“The next phase of the initiative will focus on improving waste management at 1Razak Mansion, including composting organic kitchen waste to support the food forest ecosystem,” he said.
During the cooking class, participants learned to identify the herbs, understand their health benefits and prepare the ingredients before sharing the meal they had created.
Azni Saharin said the session reminded her of the food she enjoyed growing up.
“I am so happy 1Razak Mansion’s MC has given us space to learn how to grow our own food and cook ulam the traditional way, just like how I enjoyed them during my kampung days.
“Now I see my Chinese neighbours learning about local ulam.
“I feel proud and touched,” she said, adding that the project also allowed her to enjoy gardening.
For resident Foong Mun Lai, it was an entirely new experience.
“This is my first time tasting ulam.
“It is not our usual food, but I learned to appreciate the original flavour of the greens and their health benefits,” she said.
