KOTA BELUD: Some 100 farmers here will benefit from the PRUCare Farming Sustainability Programme with funding of more than RM500,000.
The farmers will receive training and resources to start a vegetable and fish farm to improve food self-sufficiency and be given a platform to sell extra produce in market so they can boost their earnings.
This is the third cohort of the PruCare Farming Sustainability Programme established by Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad, Prudence Foundation and Hopes Malaysia to empower disadvantaged communities with farming techniques and tools so they could generate a sustainable income source and achieve food security for their families.
“Sustainability is core to our business, and we believe this programme will help create a brighter future for the next generation of Malaysians,” said Prudential Assurance Malaysia Berhad Human Resources Chief Officer Sally Low at the launch.
“Many local farmers face challenges such as a lack of resources, selling their produce and the impacts of climate change. This programme seeks to address those issues and assist families in Kota Belud in achieving food security and sustainable incomes,” she said.
“Prudential’s purpose is to add value to the wider community, for a more sustainable, responsible and inclusive future.
“With programmes like this, we ensure sustainable livelihoods for farmers and their families by gradually improving food security and their earnings. This gives them the chance to escape the poverty trap and allow them and their children a better future,” Low added.
The event also marked the conclusion of the second cohort of the programme. The first cohort started in 2021 and since then, the programme has helped 703 beneficiaries from 98 families boost their income by 68 per cent on average.
In addition to learning farming techniques, receiving seeds and fish fry and support at market, 54 Prudential Wealth Planners volunteered 270 hours to help them prepare their land and set up fishponds.
For Nusia Sidi @ Gina, a 48-year-old grandmother, from Kampung Terintidon, her family’s financial situation worsened after the Covid-19 pandemic, when her children returned home from the city.
The family’s average household income of RM550 was barely enough for everyone to survive. Since the programme, she has been able to achieve consistent food security with her large monthly harvests.
The sales of her extra fish and crops have boosted her family’s earnings by RM350.
“I have a large family to support and food has become more expensive in Kota Belud. I am very thankful for this programme, for the chance to learn something new even at my age and contribute to my loved ones,” said Gina.
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