SEPANG, Feb 9 (Bernama) -- Small-scale community initiatives in Kampung Labu Lanjut here are steadily evolving into a unifying force, bringing residents together through shared responsibilities while creating modest income opportunities.
Located near the Kuala Lumpur International Airport (KLIA) and Putrajaya, the village has seen greater participation in projects driven by collective effort, strengthening ties among residents who now spend more time working side by side.
These include community farming, women-led homestays and small-scale mushroom cultivation, all centred on cooperation and mutual support.
One key initiative is the “Lestari Bonda Agro Project”, a community garden jointly managed by women residents, retirees and senior citizens on a rotational basis. The plot produces vegetables such as kangkung, chilli, eggplant, spinach and okra, and has become a regular meeting point for participants.
The project is among several initiatives under the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme, coordinated by Akademi Kenegaraan Malaysia under the Prime Minister’s Department.
Project leader Rosita Abd Razak, 62, said the initiative encourages residents to gather regularly while contributing to household needs.
“On our own, it would be difficult, but when we work together, everything becomes lighter and more enjoyable. We motivate each other,” she said.
She added that part of the harvest is consumed by participants while the rest is sold within the village and to nearby eateries, generating steady returns over the past six months.
For coordinator Nor Aniza Abd Samad, 60, tasks are divided according to participants’ abilities to ensure the project remains inclusive.
“We started small and focused on consistency. What matters most is that everyone feels involved,” she said.
Another collaborative effort is a women-run homestay known as “Rumah Kaum Ibu dan Homestay MADANI”, where operators jointly manage bookings, housekeeping and guests on a rotation system.
Operator Azizah Baki, 50, said the homestay continues to attract visitors seeking a village experience, helped by its proximity to KLIA and the Sepang International Circuit.
“This is about working together. We share responsibilities and support one another,” she said, adding that the income helps support her family while keeping her active in the community.
Meanwhile, a mushroom cultivation project run by single mothers has expanded since its launch last November.
Participant Timi Hipni, 47, said the group increased production from 200 to 1,000 growing blocks, producing white and grey oyster mushrooms.
“We work on a roster as we still have families to take care of. Demand has been encouraging and it gives us extra income,” she said.
Village Development and Security Committee chairman Damarulan Hassim said most activities are conducted through gotong-royong, fostering cooperation, strengthening social cohesion, bringing villagers closer together and improving their livelihoods.
-- BERNAMA
