SHAH ALAM – Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu has demonstrated that limited land is no obstacle to farming by successfully utilising the space around his home for small-scale agricultural activities, serving as a practical example for the public.
Proving that a "green finger" approach can be applied anywhere, the minister has managed to transform the restricted soil around his residence into a productive mini-farm, highlighting urban living and limited space do not have to be barriers to self-sufficiency.
Following his documented success in rearing tilapia and planting the Rose Ehsan onion variety, the Kota Raja MP recently shared glimpses of his residence surrounded by a lush variety of crops, including pandan and ulam raja.
He emphasised that land surrounding a home, no matter how small, can contribute significantly to a family's livelihood and, by extension, national food security if utilised effectively.
He said the act of planting at home was a small step that leads to a much larger impact on the local food ecosystem.
"Today we plant herbs, tomorrow perhaps vegetables, and the day after, another source of income. You don’t need a vast farm or huge capital. All it takes is the intention, a little effort and patience.
"Plant today, and in the coming days, it becomes the menu on our dining table," he added, who was affectionately known as Bang Mat or Mat Sabu, in a Facebook post on Sunday.
His message was clear: food security begins in the backyard of everyday Malaysians.
This journey was part of a consistent effort by the minister to lead by example.
In June 2024, he shared his delight after successfully rearing tilapia in a pond located within his compound.
This was followed by the sowing of 1,000 Rose Ehsan onion seeds in March 2025 at his official residence, a move aimed at encouraging Malaysians to reduce their reliance on imported produce by growing their own.