Igniting the urban agriculture scene in Malaysia

Li Yen Chong and her team at Urban Hijau are championing initiatives that address food insecurity and waste management while inspiring future generations. Her journey, which began during the COVID-19 pandemic, set an inspiring example of the impact of urban farming in a short period of time.

Driving food insecurity for the urban poor

Li Yen’s introduction to urban farming through Urban Hijau was fueled by an urgent need for food security during the pandemic. She recalls how many underprivileged communities, especially the urban poor and homes for disabled children, were left without access to fresh produce for months. “They were eating mostly rice and canned food,” Li Yen shares. “There was no access to fresh vegetables or fruits.”

Driven by the stark realization that these communities were being neglected, Li Yen’s directors launched a crowdfunded project to deliver fresh produce to those in need. They worked with corporate sponsors to ensure that families and institutions had access to nutritious food. “It was about showing people the importance of growing their own food or supporting local farmers. It's much more sustainable to buy food that’s grown near you,” she emphasizes.

Closing the loop with food waste management systems

Recognizing the need for a circular economy, she turned her attention to food waste management. Malaysia, she notes, lacks sufficient waste separation regulations, contributing to the growing problem of landfills. Urban Hijau soon developed a systematic compost network database. This initiative encouraged businesses, restaurants, and individuals to separate their food waste and either drop it off at the farm or participate in a bin-swap system.

Since 2022 until present, Urban Hijau with a small team of volunteers have managed to compost over an impressive 35,000 kilos of food waste. “The circular concept shows how your food waste can contribute to the quality of your vegetables when you grow them,” she explains. While the project is currently on hold due to a transition to a new site, Li Yen is determined to revive it. She hopes to one day offer a paid service, similar to models in other countries, though she acknowledges that waste is still heavily subsidized by the government in Malaysia, limiting public motivation for separation.

Preparing the younger generations to drive positive change 

Another significant aspect of Urban Hijau’s work involves educating children about urban farming and sustainability. Theirworkshops, often requested by international schools and homeschooling groups, introduce children to farm life, many for the first time. These hands-on experiences are designed to activate their five senses, allowing them to interact with nature, plants, insects, and even worms.

For Li Yen, who grew up in the city herself, this connection to nature was something she lacked as a child. “I can relate to these kids because I was one of them,” she reflects. “It’s a shock to the system at first, but by the end of the day, they’re more open to getting their hands dirty and trying different vegetables.”

The workshops typically end with the children taking home a plant, encouraging them to continue their newfound connection with nature. For long-term projects, Li Yen partners with schools and corporate sponsors to build gardens and provide regular training to ensure these gardens thrive long after her team leaves. “Our goal is to show schools that they own the garden. We’re just here to teach them how to take care of it.”

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