The foothills of Gunung Matsoorat in town have become a pilot study for the urban farming project.
According to the Mayor of Ipoh, Dato’ Rumaizi Baharin, Gunung Matsoorat is one out of five foothills which were approved for the project during the State Executive Council meeting (MMK) that took place in August last year.
“Other locations involved are Gunung Rapat, Gunung Panjang, Gunung Gunting and Gunung Laiang.
“The urban farming project is an initiative to aid citizens who lost their jobs and income sources due to absence of import and export activities for raw food ingredients resulting from the COVID-19 pandemic.
“Hopefully, the concept of urban farming instils interest and increases awareness of agriculture as a contributor to food security and quality among the public.”
He told reporters so during a media session at the Perak Urban Transformation Centre (UTC) here in Ipoh earlier today (March 26).
Rumaizi, representing Ipoh City Council (MBI), signed a memorandum of understanding (MoU) for the urban farming project with the Perak State Agricultural Development Corporation (SADC).
SADC was represented by chief executive officer, Yahanis Yahya.
Meanwhile, Rumaizi stated that the council is in liaison with pickle sellers in persuading them to conduct their business activities digitally.
“We’re discussing with these sellers to register their businesses on Foodpanda or GrabFood. Instead of enforcing actions, we want to educate them.
“However, there aren’t any plans to provide special spots for these sellers to conduct physical business activities as of yet. Online businesses seem to be the new norm these days.”
He commented when asked on the issue of pickle sellers who conduct their businesses at roadsides and near traffic lights, endangering both themselves and other road users around town.
Chris Teh
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