Padang Jawa, June 8, 2024 – College of Computing, Informatics, and Mathematics (KPPIM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) have made a significant impact with the green innovations at Padang Jawa. Under the “Service Learning Malaysia – University for Society” (SULAM) initiative, the team has revolutionized local gardening, setting a new standard for environmental care and community investment through the SMART GARDENS project.
73 KPPIM’s final-year students along with the local residents of Kampung Padang Jawa, participated in the event to help enhance their local farming to be more sustainable for their community. Led by Madam Zatul Amilah Shaffiei, the project aimed to improve local agriculture through modern methods and community involvement, integrating four high-tech techniques: aeroponics, water filtering systems, vertical garden, and hydroponics in their own assigned gardens within Kampung Padang Jawa community gardens.
The benefits of aeroponics are manifold, including accelerated plant growth, efficient use of water and nutrients, and the ability to cultivate plants in a controlled, space-saving environment. This innovative approach allows plant roots to dangle freely while receiving a nutrient-rich mist. Vertical gardens are convenient as they serve as alternatives to indoor potted plants through an indoor terraced-garden structure with automatic watering systems. For the hydroponic method, the Nutrient Film Technique (NFT) was applied, channeling nutrient-rich water from a catfish pond to plants in PVC tubes, filtering and recirculating the water to promote efficient use and optimal plant health.
Community members expressed their excitement and gratitude for the initiative. “This smart garden represents a major shift for us,” said Mr. Ahmad, a local resident. “It not only brings a new approach to farming but also strengthens our community bonds.” Mrs. Laila, another resident, added, “I am thrilled to see the positive impact this will have on our village’s food production and sustainability.”
SULAM 2024 programme is one of the initiatives aimed at empowering and serving the community through volunteer activities. Students are given the opportunity to apply their knowledge practically and discover how the knowledge they have acquired can also improve the living standards of the local community. The activities also support the aspirations of Fourth and Eleventh Sustainable Development Goals, which are Quality Education and Sustainable Cities and Communities. It is also in line with the visions of Malaysia Madani.
Authors: Intan Nursyafiqah Binti Maidin, Zatul Amilah Binti Shaffiei, (Editor: Siti Nur Kamaliah Kamarudin, KPPIM News Team)