Khaled: Bee farming, oyster mushroom planting projects a boon for army families

New Straits Times

14-07-2025

GEORGE TOWN: A project under the Madani Economy initiative, implemented in military camps nationwide with an allocation of RM10 million, is proving successful in generating additional income for the families of military personnel.
It also serves a dual purpose by supporting downstream industry development and food security efforts.
Defence Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Khaled Nordin said the readiness of the Malaysian Armed Forces does not solely depend on assets and troop training, but also took into account the wellbeing of their families, who are the backbone of the defence community's stability in the country.
He cited for example how stingless bee farming and oyster mushroom cultivation projects by the 2nd Battalion of the Royal Malay Regiment (2 RAMD) community at the Sungai Ara Camp were helping the families of army personnel productively spend their time — especially since some of the personnel are expected to be deployed on a mission to Lebanon next year.
"When we talk about readiness, it is not just about assets, but also about the personnel and their families. We appreciate the contributions and sacrifices of the armed forces and understand that the wellbeing of their families is equally important.
"We have been thinking about how to improve the wellbeing of these families. With strategic partners from the Ministry of Higher Education, we have identified certain knowledge areas that can be transferred through the Madani Economy initiative to families within the camps," he said during a working visit to the Sungai Ara Camp here today.
Present were the Defence Ministry's secretary-general Datuk Lokman Hakim Ali, Army Chief General Tan Muhammad Hafizuddeain Jantan, Western Field Commander Lieutenant General Datuk Malek Razak Sulaiman and Second Division Commander Major General Datuk Fazal Abdul Rahman.
Khaled said the programme, which incorporates smart agriculture elements and technical training, also provided entrepreneurial education to members of the Armed Forces Family Welfare Association (BAKAT) 2 RAMD.
The stingless bee honey project is already being marketed, while the oyster mushroom produce is currently in discussions to be marketed through the Malaysian Armed Forces Trading Corporation (Pernama).
"Even the spent mushroom blocks can be used as organic fertiliser, making this project not only sustainable but also highly scalable due to the encouraging response we have received.
"For the mushroom project, for instance, 20 participants have joined through the Mushroom Activity Centre, and this number is expected to grow if demand increases. If we have the space and facilities, we are ready to expand participation.
"This is just the beginning to spark interest and prove that the project can bring real benefits and returns to participants," he added.
He said that the stingless bee project in the camp used systematic beekeeping via "log hives" and biotechnology-based rearing techniques developed in collaboration with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM).
Meanwhile, the oyster mushroom farming employed enclosed mushroom houses with controlled temperature and humidity, ensuring high-quality and consistent yields, supported by Universiti Malaysia Perlis (UNIMAP).
Earlier, Khaled also reviewed operational readiness, troop welfare, and evaluated the progress of community development initiatives in the military.
He also met with around 300 residents of the Sungai Ara Camp and handed over RM500 in welfare aid to 15 chronic patients from among military personnel and their families stationed in the area.