Grape expectations: Siti Noreha and Arun harvesting grapes in their backyard in Sedili Kecil, Kota Tinggi.
KOTA TINGGI: What started as a way to pass time during the Covid-19 pandemic has turned into a sweet success story for a young couple here, who are now harvesting grapes in the sweltering tropical heat of Johor’s east coast.
Many people believe grapes can only grow in highlands with cool climates.
But for 32-year-old aquaculture worker Siti Noreha Zulkapli and her husband, Thai-born Arun Samandaewa, 35, their backyard in Sedili Kecil has become proof that this assumption is wrong.
Rows of vines line their modest home garden, producing bunches of fresh, fragrant and sweet grapes that visitors can hardly believe were grown so close to the sea.
Siti Noreha said that the idea came during one of the lowest points in their lives when Arun had lost his job during the pandemic, and the couple were unsure about their future.
“It started as a joke. My husband was unemployed, and we thought about being menganggur which means both jobless and planting grapes in Malay.
“But the idea stuck, and we decided to give it a try,” she said here yesterday.
Siti Noreha added as neither of them had any background in farming, they spent hours watching YouTube tutorials, learning about soil preparation, pruning, watering and pest control.
Determined to challenge the “cold climate only” mindset, they planted their first vines two years ago and to their surprise, the plants thrived and eventually bore fruit.
“We started with a capital of about RM3,000 and bought 12 grape varieties, including Shine Muscat, Baikonur, Wies and Julian.
“So far, we have harvested three times,” she said.
Siti Noreha added their success has turned heads in the village, with neighbours and relatives dropping by to witness the unusual sight of grapes ripening under the blazing tropical sun.
Meanwhile, Arun said that the key was choosing the right varieties and using modern farming methods.
“We use a fertigation system, which provides nutrients and water directly to the roots. That helps the plants adapt to the hot climate,” he added.
Arun said their journey was not without challenges because grapes are highly sensitive to heavy rain, which can cause fungal infections and ruin the fruit.
“To reduce the risk, we built a simple roof to shield the plants. Shelter is very important for grapes here.”
He added another surprising discovery was that unlike temperate countries, where grapes fruit only once a year, some varieties in Malaysia can produce twice annually under the right conditions.
Arun, who had previously dabbled in hydroponic vegetables, melons and watermelons, said harvesting grapes gave him a sense of fulfilment he had never felt with other crops.
The couple, who married two years ago, now see their vineyard as more than just a hobby and are planning to expand it into a more serious venture in the coming years.
For now, their grapes are not sold commercially. Instead, the fruits are shared with family members, close friends and curious visitors.
“Whenever guests come over, we let them taste the grapes. Some are amazed at how sweet, fresh and crunchy they are while others get excited about picking the fruits themselves,” she said.
She also said that the joy on visitors’ faces often makes the hard work worthwhile.
“It feels special when people enjoy something we planted with our own hands,” she said.
Siti Noreha added that they hoped their small vineyard will inspire more Malaysians to explore grape farming, showing that with perseverance and the right techniques, even tropical heat is no barrier to success.
