Perlis UiTM, Correctional Centre Launch Ginger Farming Project To Help Inmates Gain Skills

KANGAR, Feb 11 (Bernama) – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) Perlis branch, via its startup Athanliz Innovations Sdn Bhd (AISB), has partnered with the Perlis Correctional Centre in Arau to train inmates in ginger farming for commercial products, with the goal of equipping them with skills to aid their reintegration into society upon release.

UiTM Perlis rector, Assoc Prof Dr Ahmad Nizan Mat Noor explained that the initiative called ‘Halia Di Penjara: Biar Benih Jadi Jasa & Kenangan’, involves 12 male inmates who are being mentored by six entrepreneurs from AISB.

"This programme is designed to help participants generate income after their release. The first phase began in September 2024 with the planting of 300 kilogrammes (kg) of ginger seeds at the Perlis Correctional Centre," he said in a statement today.

Funded by a RM40,000 grant from the All-Party Parliamentary Group Malaysia, the initiative includes five months of training in business fundamentals, digital marketing, product manufacturing and packaging as well as business matching. The inmates will also be monitored for six months following their training.

The 12 inmates were presented with certificates today after completing their training module, developed by the university’s Management and Business Faculty.

Ahmad Nizan added that the ginger, expected to be harvested as early as April with an estimated yield of 700 kg, will be processed and commercialised.

Meanwhile, AISB managing director Dr Athifah Najwani Shahidan said the harvest will be used to create four products namely aromatherapy ginger balm, ginger hair oil, ginger gummies and ginger juice powder.

“We aim to produce 500 units of each product in the first batch, in collaboration with entrepreneurs from Perlis for promotion and marketing.

“Initially, the products will be sold at the Perlis Correctional Centre, AISB's Ar-Rehlah Café, AISB's marketing platforms and local farmers' markets,” she said.

-- BERNAMA