The determination of a group of persons with disabilities to cultivate hydroponic crops in Kampung Tawas here has not only opened doors to gaining new skills, but has also proven that they can learn to be independent when given the right guidance and opportunities.
The group from the Perak Association for the Intellectually Disabled began the initiative – carried out under its Urban Farming Programme – with just one hydroponic system in July 2022, consisting of 40 pots contributed by the state Agriculture Department.
"At first, we only planted lettuce, and it involved just five participants. The idea was simply to fill their free time, but it unexpectedly sparked deep interest among them," said its administrator Noreder Abdul Muti, 59.
"They were excited and felt appreciated, especially when they saw their plants thriving. When the greenhouse was completed, the number of participants increased from five to 10. We now have over 1,200 pots where various vegetables are cultivated, including lettuce, sawi, kangkung and kailan."
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