KUCHING: Five mosques and suraus in Kuching have generated a total income of RM7,255 through smart farming to improve the financial positions of the nearby communities.
According to Sarawak Multimedia Authority (SMA) deputy digital economy advisor Al-Khalid Othman, the first phase of the Smart Urban Farming project was implemented at Masjid Darul Khatimah, Semerah Padi which managed to generate the highest sales revenue of RM3,039 for three harvests followed by Surau Al Ansar, Taman Yen Yen (RM1,946 with two harvests); Surau Darul Qarar, Patingan ( RM1,900 with its first harvest); Surau Nurul Salihin, Bako Hijrah (RM370 for its first harvest); and Surau Darul Rahman, Taman Won Baru Jalan Bunga Kemuning.
Following its success, Khalid said that the second phase of the project will be implemented at 20 selected mosques and suraus to plant 900 vegetable pots for each mosque and surau.
“Among the 20 mosques and suraus involved are Darul Istiqlaal Mosque in Kampung Sungai Maong; Al-Firdaus Mosque (Kampung Tunku RPR Phase 2); Darus Salam Mosque, Kampung Matang Batu 10; Darul Ikhwan Mosque, Kampung Muara Tebas; and Darul Hasanah Mosque, Aman Sourabaya Indah.
“If the project is a success, we will have 18,000 vegetable pots in the second phase, he said at the Second Phase Smart Urban Farming handover ceremony at the SMA Office here today (Feb 14).
“We also want to see the community in the city develop a holistic supply chain with a digital economy inclusion policy, thus eradicating urban poverty.
“So far, 45 mosques and suraus under the Sarawak Islamic Religious Department (JAIS) have met the criteria for the implementation of this project,” he said.
Khalid said the results of the project will be a benchmark for expanding smart agriculture to other communities throughout Sarawak.
CAPTION:
KCH-sma-1402-nsh-1: Khalid (2nd row, 5th from left) posing for a picture with the recipients of the phase two of the project.
