NATURAL DISASTER VS AGRICULTURE IN MALAYSIA

NATURAL DISASTERS particularly floods and land sliding in Malaysia are frequently caused by climate changes. The impacts are also faced by farms and farmers in the form of production loss, farm infrastructure and even on the psychology of farmers. Consequently, the agricultural sector is becoming riskier which would affect the food security of the country. Current research was carried out to assess the level of impacts of natural disasters on farms and farmers in the last five years. The impact level was measured on the scale of low, medium, and high. The respondents were 360 farmers who were selected through one of the probability sampling techniques. The results revealed that climate changes in the form of natural disasters highly destroyed farm production, crashed irrigation and drainage facilities, and negatively affected emotions and psychology of farmers. The study recommends that various agricultural players such as public and private organizations, researchers, academia, students, and policy makers are required to ponder profoundly on the impacts level and formulate strategies to facilitate farmers and their farms. Keywords: agriculture, natural disasters, adaptation, climate change, Malaysia. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" I write about how natural disaster affect the agriculture produce in Malaysia as reported in media in 2024.

Media reported 'Northern floods impact 5,800 hectares of rice crops, cause RM32 million loss' in Nothern Peninsular Malaysia. A total of 5,822.59 hectares of rice crops in the northern states have been affected by flooding, with an estimated loss of RM32 million in rice yield. Agriculture and Food Security Minister said in view of this the ministry will provide post-disaster assistance to affected farmers, livestock breeders and fishermen, through a coordinated effort. Rice growers will receive aid via the Padi Crop Disaster Fund (TBTP), while the Agricultural Disaster Fund (TBP) will support those involved in agro-food activities other than rice cultivation. In addition to the assistance in which AgroBank has announced a moratorium on payments for its customers impacted by the current floods. The affected farmers, breeders, fishermen and entrepreneurs can apply for this relief at their nearest AgroBank branch. The ministry is also ready to mobilise assets to help rescue efforts during floods and if necessary with permission from the National Disaster Management Agency. The fact that in recent floods in Kedah and Perlis have impacted over 2,900 farmers and devastated nearly 6,000 hectares of padi fields under the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada). The preliminary assessments put losses at about RM40 million to all agricultural activities. The floods was intensified by climate change, had struck unexpectedly early in the padi planting season, with heavier rain occurring over a shorter period. This year's floods were unexpected. Typically where the floods occur around October but this time but it happened in mid-September and causing padi crops that were ready to be harvested had to be submerged. At the peak of the floods on Sept 21 an area of 5,915 hectares of padi crops were affected, involving 2,928 farmers in Mada areas. The prime minister will also chair a meeting in November to discuss food security with the recent Kedah floods being a major topic of concern. The floods that hit the state this month affected over 8,400 people across seven districts during its peak, with many calling it the worst floods in 14 years. The ministry had requested RM400 million to be allocated through the 2025 Budget for basic infrastructure upgrades in non-Mada padi areas to tackle flood issues. The ministry also exploring padi farming projects in Sabah and Sarawak to ensure national food security, reducing reliance on Kedah as the country's main rice producer.

In other report stated that 'Floods: 30,000 tonnes of padi worth over RM50mil wiped out' where a farmer known as Yaakob Ahmad shows his paddy field that was damaged by floods in Kampung Alor Pudak, Kedah. Reported that last week's floods in the northern states last week have left the most devastating impact in recent times on the padi farming sector, with a staggering 30,000 metric tonnes of crop worth over RM50 million estimated to have been wiped out. The  National Padi Farmers Brotherhood Organisation (Pesawah) chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said the losses were estimated based on a Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) survey where over 5,900 hectares of padi fields under the agency's purview in Kedah and Perlis have been submerged by the floods. Mada oversees some 100,000 ha of padi fields and there are over 30,000 hectares more padi fields under other authorities such as Area Farmers' Organisation Authority (PPK) in Kedah and Perlis. The 30,000 metric tonnes of padi crop losses is a conservative estimate for now, as we believe that over 6,000 hectares of padi fields in the three states have been submerged by the floods. The over RM50 million losses are calculated based on today's padi purchasing price of RM1,800 per metric tonne by private padi millers and the average five metric tonnes padi yield per hectare. Last week's floods in the northern states last week have left the most devastating impact in recent times on the padi farming sector, with a staggering 30,000 metric tonnes of crop worth over RM50 million estimated to have been wiped out. He feared that the extent of damage to the padi crop could reach up to 7,000 hectares combined in the northern states, since farmers in Penang were also affected by the recent floods. This is by far the biggest blow to our padi farming sector and our food security since the 2005 and 2010 major floods. He added that last week's floods had such a devastating impact since most of the crop had been waiting to be harvested. The damage was not this extensive in 2005 and 2010 as the floods struck when the padi cultivation was in the early stage. This time around normally the floods hit when the crop was about to be harvested. As for Kedah Farmers' Organisation Authority (LPP) said 1,260 hectares of padi fields under the agency were affected by the floods. The damage was reported in 64 Farmers' Units across the state involving 853 farmers. LPP estimate the losses suffered by the farmers affected at RM11.34 million based on 6,300 metric tonnes of padi yield damaged by the floods and the current RM1,800 per metric tonne purchasing price by padi millers. About 19,611 farmers under the agency are cultivating over 34,000 hectares of padi fields in Kedah. Thanks,

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(October 2024).

CONSUMPTION OF EGG IN MALAYSIA

MALAYSIA RANKS 13TH IN THE WORLD when it comes to chicken egg consumption. According to the World Population Review website reported that Malaysia consumes 16.8kg of eggs (chicken) per capita annually. the report also notice that China and Japan record the highest consumption of eggs in the world. As Malaysian economies grow, Malaysian per capita income is likely to increase. From economics point of view, it is expected that better-off consumers will move to better quality of food attributes such as freshness, food safety, quality and healthfulness in their food intake. The preferences for eggs product and the technique was applied to establish the trade-offs that Malaysian consumers make between size, colour, size of packaging, functional attribute and price in the purchasing of eggs. A study reported that the results revealed that the ideal characteristic of egg was one with large size (grade A), omega eggs, brown, and ten per packs. It also found that consumers were also willing to pay more for their preferred attributes. According to other study reported that the egg consumption per capita before reached 17.2 kg in 2021 in Malaysia (Source: Faostat) in which this is 4.63% more than in the previous year. Historically the egg consumption per capita in Malaysia reached an all time high of 18.9 kg in 2017 and an all time low of 2.15 kg in 1961. Reported before that Malaysia has been ranked 6th within the group of 164 countries we follow in terms of egg consumption per capita. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share an informatioan about consumption of chicken egg in Malaysia.

I

n the mainstream media reported that 'Folk who lovws yolk: Malaysia ranks 13th in egg consumption worldwide' related to the consumption of chicken egg in Malaysia.  According to the World Population Review website, Malaysia consumes 16.8kg of eggs (chicken) per capita annually in which China and Japan record the highest consumption of eggs in the world. Japanese consume around 320 eggs every year or around an egg a day per person. Although Japan does not produce a lot of eggs, it is one of the largest importers of eggs and egg-based products. Eggs play an important role in Japanese cuisine such as ramen, rice and traditional pastries.  In China, eggs continue to be a popular choice of protein even though the country's economy is growing rapidly, as eggs are cheaper than other sources. The Chinese government always monitors egg production to ensure prices remain low so that all levels of society can access them at an affordable price. It is estimated that the people of China consumed more than 31,000,000 tonnes of eggs in 2021. Those in mainland China consume 21.97kg of eggs per capita annually. People in Hong Kong consume 26.19kg per capita while in Macau and it is 23.04kg per capita. Other countries that consume the most chicken eggs are Mexico (21.26kg per capita) and Japan (19.59kg). In the United States recorded high egg consumption but was not in the top position per capita. The report added that many countries use more eggs in their daily diet than the United States. Recently reported on Wednesday that Putrajaya may end the subsidy for grade A, B and C chicken eggs if the supply recovers and stabilises. Agriculture and Food Security Minister said this will save about RM100mil a month, which could be redirected to develop other critical agro-food sectors.

 

In other responds, the Malaysia government was prompted to lower the price of eggs as they are the most commonly consumed food by Malaysian families and especially lower-income households as sais by the Prime Minister. He said a study found that Malaysians can consume four eggs a day on average in which which was the reason for the government’s decision to use savings from subsidies to lower the price by three sen. He called the (egg producers) and asked them to lower their profits to help ease the people's burden. They did not ask them to run at a loss, just to lower their profits. He said if there are other ways to help with subsidies and saving money, I will make the effort. Reported earlier on Monday (June 17) that the retail price of Grade A, B and C eggs across the country was reduced by three sen as part of the clain to be the government’s new subsidy initiative. He noted that the subsidy would involve government expenditure of around RM100mil, covering up to 10 sen per egg. Reported that the retail prices for eggs in Sabah, Sarawak and Labuan will be adjusted according to the respective zones and districts, he added. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(October 2024).

ALIEN FISH RUNNING RIOT IN LOCAL RIVERS

A REPORT ABOUT 'Alien fish running riot in local rivers' in Malaysia are fair to share with all readern in this blog. The above photo showing that a Piranhas as an African catfish, garfish, pirarucu, peacock bass, Chao Phraya high fin giant catfish and tilapia in which all these are all food fish in their countries of origin and are found in abundance in rivers, lakes and swamps, or bred in ponds in aquaculture projects. Most of these fish species thrive in rivers and lakes many times bigger and deeper than the longest river in Malaysia. Reported that in their natural environment all these fishes grow to monstrous sizes. All the fish mentioned above are carnivorous and predatory, including the tilapia which is an invasive species. The local media reported that any minnow or fish that fits in their mouths will become prey and their voracious appetite helps them to grow to enormous sizes as said Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) ichthyologist Dr Amirrudin Ahmad. These fish are native to the Amazon River (6,992km-long), Nile (6,893km), Congo (4,700km) and Mekong (4,350km). In comparison, Malaysia’s longest river known as Sungai Rajang in Sarawak is just 563km long while Sungai Kinabatangan ists length of 560km and lastly Sungai Pahang with total length of 459km. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog rewrite a report from few local media regarding the existence of alien fish in Malaysian water.

Reported that the short span and narrow width of our rivers make it easy for predatory fishes to hunt for smaller fish like Ikan Lampam, Ikan Kelah, Ikan Sebarau, Ikan Kaloi, Species of snakeheads (Haruan, Toman and Bujuk), as well as the smaller Malaysian Clarias species (catfish) as claim by Amirrudin (see photo above of local catfish). He said with the existence of these predatory fishes in local rivers and the proliferation over the years, it would not be long before indigenous species became depleted, or in the worst-case scenario to extinct. Although there are no records on when these fishes were released into the rivers, it is believed that some of these predators have been set free by hobbyists since the late 1980s. After such a long period, there is concern over the loss of aquatic biodiversity due to the introduction of these predatory and invasive species. A good example is the invasion of the red claw crayfish in Johor rivers. Actually stretegies as a STRICT SUPERVISION NEEDED in which as more of these predatory and invasive species being landed by anglers, it speaks volumes on the declining in the population of indigenous species. The Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services (MAQIS) needs to tighten its procedure and supervision of live fish imports. Equally important, the live fish traders must be more responsible by providing the list of their imported fish to the Fisheries Department. The next step is honesty in declaring the imported fish as true to the invoice.

The Fisheries Department and Maqis can also deter the import of banned species by explaining the laws and the penalties to importers. They should not entertain “I don’t know” excuses to escape punishment. Amirrudin said fisheries inspectors must be well-informed about banned species and able to identify the fish at first glance and at its juvenile stage. Today the local fish shops and hobbyists also must be educated on the latest prohibitions. Local fish shops especially must be required to display the list of banned fish at their outlets. A hotline or toll-free telephone number to the Fisheries Department should be displayed as big as the ‘No Smoking’ signage in the shops to allow the public to report sales of banned species. He said fish farms must not be allowed to breed certain species, especially breeders who grew the fish in cages along rivers and in lakes, because most of the catfish species from the Amazon rivers in which for example it could grow to monstrous sizes. In some years, we hear reports of fish cages being damaged and African catfish escaping into the rivers in Terengganu, Pahang and Perak. Unless a foolproof method is found, these fish should be bred in ponds. Similarly many anglers share the same responsibility. Any predatory foreign species caught must not be released back into the river. Predatory fish such as Ikan Pirarucu (Arapaima gigas), Species such as Alligator Gar (Lepisosteus), Peacock Bass, Chao Phraya high fin giant catfish (Pangasius sanitwongsei) and Red Tail Catfish (Phractocephalus hemioliopterus) have been reeled in by anglers in most major rivers in the country. When such fish snaps up the baits from rods and lines, it reflects a horrifying reality that the population in these rivers have grown. And the sizes of the peacock bass, red tail catfish and Chao Phraya high fin catfish which look like the local patin, commonly indicate that these predators have been in the rivers for more than two years. Religious and cultural releases (bayar nazar) of African catfish, which can grow to an enormous size, by the community should be replaced with the release of indigenous species such as lampam, baung, kelah or the smaller local catfish. The Fisheries Department should conduct a careful study on whether a fish species is safe for the biodiversity before introducing it for economic purpose. A question on what use is development and intense food production if they cause the extinction of natural assets?. When the natural resources are damaged by aquaculture or development, it can only be called destructive. State terengganu Fisheries Department director Zawawi Ali said hobbyists generally dumped predatory fishes into rivers when their pets could no longer fit into their tanks or when they lost interest in the hobby. Feeding big fish is costly. This may also be another reason they have to dispose of their pets,” he said, adding that the problem would arise when hobbyists imported predatory fish species without verifying with the department whether the species was banned. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(September 2024).

11 October 2024

MY BIRTHDAY....

END OF SEED AND FERTILZER CARTEL

Latest news about END OF SEED AND FERTILZER CARTEL was urged by Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim today as the seed and fertiliser monopoly held by cartels must come to an end in order to improve the country’s productivity in the agricultural sector. He said we can no longer allow seed and fertiliser monopolies to dominate the industry as he said in his speech when opening of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 0n 14 September 2024. A firm stance is needed, and the (agriculture and food security) ministry must act decisively to curb cartels that control the import of fertilisers and seeds he adding that political will is also important. He then called for new practices to prioritise selecting quality products based on research and evidence, and ensuring the best outcomes for farmers, fishermen and smallholders. Malaysian current government is now practising this new approach in which he expressed confidence that Malaysia’s agricultural landscape would see significant progress over the next two years, crediting the agriculture and food security ministry’s efforts. PM hope every agricultural agency will take this as a challenge because it can happen. Take lessons from how Qatar and Russia improved their agricultural productivity. Anwar added that Malaysia’s agricultural sector must adopt artificial intelligence (AI) technology to boost its productivity.  He had seen firsthand how AI can increase output. However, it requires a shift in practices and mindset within the local industry adding that government machinery must also function as an integrated ecosystem to drive improvements in productivity. In this article of "Anim Agriculture Technology" I like to share current news during MAHA Exibition Opening Ceremony recently.

Prime Minister also spoke of several mega projects being planned in the agricultural sector, including the first phase of a large-scale padi cultivation initiative, with a total project value of RM5 billion. He told reporter who is also finance minister said the project aims to boost padi yields and improve the livelihoods of local farmers. The ministry is focusing on increasing the nation’s rice production. This is crucial for enhancing the welfare of our farmers and ensuring food security. PM emphasized the need for all ministries and agencies to work as a cohesive team to ensure the nation’s food production targets were met. PM also acknowledged the challenge of rallying farmers, rice growers and fishermen to embrace these changes and adapt to the upcoming transformation in the agricultural sector. The key challenge is how to engage the farming communities, especially the padi planters and fishermen, to embrace this transformation and significantly increase their yields. Reported in May 2024 PM Anwar announced the government would increase its funding to upgrade irrigation systems in the Muda Agricultural Development Authority (Mada) region to implement a five-season padi planting project within two years. The expansion of the programme will cover an additional 30,000 hectares of land in Mada areas, which will be developed in stages. Ministry of Ahriculture told that the agricultural products contributed 10.9% to the country’s gross domestic product in the first quarter of the year 2024. Mistry told this growth came from three key sub-sectors that was agriculture (3.1%), manufacturing (2.2%) and services (5.6%) respectively.

Many media said that Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim stressed that cartel practices in Malaysia’s agriculture sector must and will be stopped. He said the outdated system of importing seeds through cartels and monopolies must end without delay, and future decisions must be data-driven while prioritising the welfare of farmers, fishermen, and smallholders. He told to guarantee productivity, the entire ecosystem must be streamlined, especially with the involvement of the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security (MAFS) and other relevant ministries. Seeds and fertilisers can no longer be controlled by cartels and monopolies like before. That is why it is essential to have a minister and a secretary-general who are firm in ensuring that the old cartel practices in fertiliser importation are completely eliminatedas he said when officiating the opening of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture, and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2024 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park today.Also present were Chief Secretary to the Government Tan Sri Shamsul Azri Abu Bakar, Agriculture and Food Security Minister Mohamad Sabu, and his deputy Datuk Arthur Joseph Kurup. Anwar said the food sector is a crucial pillar that the country must develop and focus on. Therefore, he stressed the importance of creating a holistic and sustainable ecosystem, rather than relying solely on the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama). Fama is a cornerstone and its performance has improved significantly. That is why I stress that the ecosystem must be functioning effectively. The Agriculture Ministry is a large and strategically important ministry for our country. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(September 2024).

CROP INSURANCE - STATUS IN MALAYSIA

HOW IS THE IMPLEMENTATION OF THE crop insurance scheme in Malaysia. Actually, reported that the Malaysian government will soon be offering crop insurance policies to compensate farmers for losses incurred as a result of natural disasters. This initiative is part of the government's efforts to enhance food security. According to the National Agrofood Policy 2021-2030 (NAP 2.0) is formulated with the vision of developing a sustainable, resilient, and high-technology agrofood sector in efforts to drive economic growth, enhance the well-being of the people, and prioritize food and nutrition security. Following the Standard Reinsurance Agreement (SRA) and the Livestock Price Reinsurance Agreement (LPRA) are cooperative financial assistance agreements between the Federal Crop Insurance Corporation (FCIC) and an insurance company. Started in Mac 2024 the takaful scheme is a long-term measure to assist farmers suffering losses caused by plant diseases and pest attacks. It was reported that the takaful scheme offers a higher amount of compensation of up to RM3,000 per hectare per season compared to RM1,800 per hectare per season under TBTP. As the development of the rice industry requires the formulation of a new policy involving six aspects, including providing subsidies for padi cultivation based on productivity rather than on the basis of rice field area. This latest article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I share my knowledge about crop insurance implementation status in Malaysia.

According to my contacts at Universiti Putra Malaysia's agricultural economics expert known as Prof Datuk Dr. M Nasir Shamsudin, suggested that the government should consider floating the price of local white rice, implementing targeted rice subsidies, introducing crop insurance and early warning systems, and adopting a flexible floor price based on the Producer Price Index (PPI). He said that these six policy changes, with the integration of technology and the determination of farmer-entrepreneurs, have the potential to transform the landscape of the country's rice industry development to achieve a 100 per cent self-sufficiency level (SSL). Today our production policies need to be rationalised. Subsidies for padi cultivation, such as fertilisers and seeds, should be implemented based on productivity to further enhance the motivation of farmers in increasing their respective outputs. The government is currently practising price ceilings and floor price for rice...the retail price of local rice should be floated according to market prices. When it was floated, the government should implement targeted subsidies for rice to the B40 group, using methods such as cash transfers credited to their identification cards for rice purchases. The government should focus on developing the rice industry in the country to make it a profitable industry resulting in the country to be more self-reliant. Today the floor price for padi is currently set at RM1,200 per metric tonne, and it should ideally be "linked" to the Producer Price Index (PPI) to align with the increase in input costs. This is because many farmers incur increased input costs such as fertilisers but the floor price remains the same.

Media reported that in the next 2024 Budget presentation very soon that many party hope that the government can introduce crop insurance to ensure that farmers are not adversely affected in the event of incidents that damage crops that was similar to what exists in the United States. However to start with that the implementation of crop insurance could possibly be offered by government agencies such as the Farmers' Organisation Authority or Agrobank. The government also needs to establish an early warning system that can predict our rice production for a specific period to ensure our supply is always sufficient. According to an expert from Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia's agricultural expert known as Dr. Noraziyah Abd Aziz Shamsudin that she suggested the government could explore the potential of cultivating rice to five times over in two years by ensuring the use of more early-maturing varieties to strengthen the domestic rice industry. That its impact on soil quality needs to be emphasised, along with addressing issues related to machinery that may damage soil structure, its effects on water quality, the health of farmers, and the use of agricultural chemical inputs. An idea of the development of more new rice varieties especially those that are early-maturing and resistant to abiotic stress factors such as drought, floods, heat, salinity and biotic stress factors like pests and diseases. This can be achieved by providing specific research funding to rice researchers, particularly those specialising in breeding and agronomy. Suggested also the government recommend several rice varieties based on the suitability of the rice planting location, which is beneficial for adjusting fertiliser requirements to minimise input. There should campaign to encourage farmers to plant a particular variety for a maximum of three seasons and then switch to another variety. They can return to the previous variety after a few seasons to reduce disease and pest attacks. Proposal of  the establishment of special areas for low-input and sustainable rice production systems can also be implemented.

Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist Expert,

Melaka,

Malaysia.

(September 2024).

COCONUT WATER FOR HAIR TREATMENT

COCONUT WATER (Cocos nucifera) defined as the clear liquid inside young coconuts. In early development, it serves as a suspension for the endosperm of the coconut during their nuclear phase of development. As growth continues, the endosperm mature into their cellular phase and deposit into the rind of the coconut meat. Coconut water has long been a popular drink in the tropics such and Malaysia and other country such as in India, Brazilian Coast, Southeast Asia, Pacific Islands, Africa, and the Caribbean and where it is available fresh, canned, or bottled. From my own observation the coconuts for drinking are packaged and sold in many places. These are typically Asian coconuts whose outer green husk has been removed, and the remainder wrapped in plastic. Throughout the tropics they can be found sold by street vendors, often cut in front of customers to ensure the coconut water's freshness. Coconut water can also be found in ordinary cans, tetrapaks, or plastic bottles. Bottled coconut water has a shelf life of 24 months. In recent years, coconut water has been marketed as a natural energy or sports drink due to its high potassium and mineral content. Marketers have also promoted coconut water for having low amounts of fat, carbohydrates, and calories. However, marketing claims attributing tremendous health benefits to coconut water are largely unfounded. This tonight article in "Anim Agriculture Technology'' blog I write about the benefit of coconut water for drinking and hair treatment.

For decades coconut oil gets a lot of attention for its ability to treat and transform hair and popular in Malaysia. It's respected for its ability to hydrate hair and operate as a moisture-locking emollient. The study shown that while there is no denying the results coconut oil can create, it can weigh finer hair down or be too oily for some. The coconut water found inside of the coconut is rich in many of the same nutrients as its oil, offering hydration without density. Coconut water is easy to find as well in Malaysia with most in wet market, retailers shop, roadside stall and also at supermarkets carrying it in its pure form. In a question of either it is hydrated hair just a grocery list away in which to find out, many refer to professional. Study claime that coconut water help us understand the potential benefits of coconut water for your hair and scalp. Regarding the benefits of coconut water for hair in which coconut water is the mostly-clear liquid that is found inside of the coconut. It is a popular drink in many cultures include Malaysia and is regarded in the fitness community as a kind of natural sports drink. This is due to its organically occurring electrolytes and sugars. Coconut water also contains vitamins, minerals, amino acids and phytohormones in which work to provide hydration when applied directly to the hair. Many of these nutrients are able similarly found in coconut oil, however the weight of the oil is a deterrent for those with thin or oily hair.  Coconut oil is "rich in fatty hydrating lipids, the water is much more lightweight and will not weigh down thin or oily hair. 

The study shows that coconut water works to hydrate our hair, without the weight found in coconut oil. Researchers explains that coconut water can penetrate deep into the hair shaft making it a great source of hydration for the hair. While it does not have the same emollient properties as coconut oil, its lightweight nature allows for hydration and volume. Coconut water also nourishes the scalp and it rich rich in certain vitamins and minerals and is a natural anti-inflammatory agent. Many people find it to be calming to an itchy scalp due to an excellent source of vitamins and minerals beneficial for hair and scalp. Coconut water works to provide moisture to scalps that flake due to dryness and able to prevent dandruff. The treatment and prevention of dandruff due to inflammation or bacteria. Coconut water contains anti-inflammatory properties, which are beneficial for flaky scalps. It also smoothest the hair  by moisturized andthe hair appears and feels softer and shinier. There are proof that the dry hair is brittle hair. Brittle hair is more prone to breakage and shedding, two factors that contribute to thinning hair. By providing moisture to the hair and scalp, coconut water can improve the elasticity of hair and able to promote hair growth and keep the hair and scalp moisturized. Expert found that they agree that coconut water is safe for all hair types. It including color-treated hair in which if many looking for a solution for adding moisture without sacrificing volume, you've found it in coconut water. Coconut water can be used on all hair types and is gentle enough to be incorporated into any hair care regimen.  

Coconut water can be easily found in most grocery stores in Malaysia but it's important to ensure that any coconut water we purchase to apply to your hair does not have any added sugars or flavors. Organic, raw coconut water will provide the most benefits to your hair without becoming sticky. There are also benefits to drinking coconut water in addition to applying it to your hair, as many of the nutrients found in coconut water are needed to promote hair growth. Coconut water is generally safe, but if somebody have a nut allergy and taking medication for blood pressure, pregnant or nursing after consuming it.  It was common practice in Malaysia in wgich coconut water can be used as a rinse following shampooing to provide extra hydration especially in rural areas. Many traditional way to do treatment by applying coconut water directly to the scalp and hair without diluting it with other products. Som people also practice to add to shampoo or conditioner: Coconut water can be added to your shampoo or conditioner and the recommended way is by mixing ¼ cup of coconut water with any of your favorite products. Last but not least in which coconut water is a natural source of electrolytes and many vitamins and minerals and good fro DRINKS. It can be very beneficial to your overall health when consumed.  By drinking coconut water definitely provides better results for hair growth. Healthy hair growth is from the inside out related to a healthy body produces healthy hair. The antioxidants, lauric acid (fatty acids), cytokinins (proteins) and essential vitamins and other rich minerals like potassium, magnesium, iron and B vitamins are most effective in the bloodstream. These nutrients provide active hair cells the nourishment and support needed to form strong follicles and promote hair growth. Coconut are known also as 'Tree of Life' with tremendous usage and efficient. Thanks.

By,

M Anem,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

Written in (January 2021).

Updated on September 2024.

BEEKEEPING FOR ENVIRONMENTAL - MALAYSIA

BEEKEEPING in Malaysia as I know in which there are two main types of beekeeping, traditional and modern beekeeping. Traditional beekeeping involves harvesting honey from naturally occurring hives of wild bees. The modern beekeeping means raising domesticated bees, in hives managed by beekeepers. Beekeeping in Malaysia has been practised and first found documented since the Sultanate of Malacca. Today, both traditional and modern approaches to beekeeping are used locally. Beekeeping is crucial to the conservation and sustainability of the ecosystem. There may be hundreds of species of bees found around the world. Only a few of these are seen as real pests here in Malaysia and some of them do not sting. Some species, like the Honey Bee (Apis cerana or Apis mellifera) are actually a valuable part of our ecosystem. Normally it costs roughly RM500 per hive to get started including to usee Kelulut ar Stingless Bee (Trigona itama or Trigona thoracica). This doesn't include a continued further investment in queens, replacement bees, sugar (for feeding), and new equipment (as you split your hives, for the new techniques, etc.). Be ready to spend well over RM1,000 in the first year for two hives. This article in "Anim Agriculture Technology" blog I write about beekeeping in Malaysia for environmental and commercial activities.

The activities in beekeeping in Malaysia by a farmers known as Raja Mohd Soffian (Hhoto above) in which he keeps at home are of the Apis florea typeas hobby. He said that bees are busy little creatures, flying around from plant to plant, buzzing busily. One or two aren’t usually noticeable but when the colony is on the move, they sound like a squadron of fighter planes out on manoeuvres. Many people are frightened of bees. However as a growing number are adopting bees and advocating for them. Other three Malaysians friens of him talk about their love for our apian friends as 'from dream to honey farm'. Fisrt friend known as Cathy Kong Chai Yuen manages over 30 hives and has a side business selling honey. It all started because she had a dream. “When she retire, she want to run a home farm and live independently in a natural way,” she shares. Back in 2018, she lived in Kuala Lumpur and had only a tiny garden and later she decided to start small and work from there. “Farming is about managing an ecosystem, she points out. And bees are fundamental. I bought a hive of bees to pollinate the plants in my garden. My veggies grew better immediately. She kicked off with a single hive of stingless bees. When I started my research, most of the information was about honey bees from the West with stings and later she found a local group and they taught me about local bees. She started with Bee Savior and learning how to identity, manage and transport bees. She learned to save bee colonies but I was staying in the city and kept one colony in the kitchen in my old place. They were small local honeybees, with stings, but they’re friendly. But with having only a little space, I had to go far into the forest to release other rescue hives.

She (Kong) moved to Cheras, Kuala Lumpur, at the start of the MCO, which finally gave her a bigger garden. She moved in hives of dwarf honey bee (Apis florea) and Asian honey bee (Apis cerana) bees for the plants, and promptly added a fish pond. With the bees working the pollination, and the fish feeding the plants, Kong has the perfect mini ecological system. The bees do more than work in the garden in which she has a cold now and I’m using their honey tea. The propolis that they use to build their hives is also medicinal, as is the royal jelly they make. I’ve stopped buying cold medication. It’s going so well that Kong has set up a farm of 30 hives of stingless bees outside of the city. They are unique insects but many people are so afraid of them, thinking they’re wild and will hurt them. But to me they are just cute and bees are like us humans. If you slap a person, they slap back. Bees are the same! If you just leave them alone, they do their own thing. She knows that bees are hardworking, independent, and not messy. Actually, they are the ideal pet for Malaysian with suitable habitat. Later she love affair continues and aside from her bee farm, Kong continues to rescue bees. She pass rescue hives to fellow farm owners for pollination and to adopters. As for the self-sustaining home farm dream, that continues too. 

In other stories when Dr Mohd Norowi Hamid from Salak Tinggi, Sepang, was director of the Strategic Resource Research Centre at the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi), his job was to research biological diversity. In the course of his work, he came across a burgeoning issue. Before his job was to research biological diversity and today, he is the president of MY Bee Savior Association. They found pollinators declining in frightening numbers in which globally, they are disappearing 100 to 1,000 times faster than normal. So they have made it his mission to study and promote local bees. Today, Dr Norowi is president of MY Bee Savior Association, an NGO dedicated to rescuing and relocating bees, and also raising public awareness of apian matters and their importance to humankind. When people think of bees, they usually think of honey but conservationists and scientists value bees for their pollination work. Bees are vital for the ecosystem because they help plants to reproduce. Seedbearing plants and flowers create small grains called pollen that help fertilise plant cells. Actually sometimes, the wind will blow pollen about. Should it land on target, it will help plants to produce fruit. However bees are much more efficient. As these insects buzz about, they transfer pollen from plant to plant. It’s efficient and very effective. The problem is that pollinators like bees are being killed off in huge numbers by people, pollution and climate change. There are over 265 species of bee in Malaysia, from the Asian Honeybee that is super resistant to many diseases, to the tropical carpenter bee. He love that there are so many different species but to be practical, it’s best to think of them in two groups: Social and solitary. More than 90% of all bee species are solitary. They don’t produce honey. The remaining lot are social and they do make honey. In the past, the focus was on honey but today, as numbers are declining and we have a biodiversity crisis, research limelight is on solitary bees. They work hard at keeping pollination going and are vital for conservation.
 

Norowi’s personal favourite are stingless bees. In his career, he has researched 32 species, including the five species that produce honey, and discovered the best way for beekeepers to domesticate two local species. Even they’re small, so they can go everywhere, even little flowers and they are enthuses and are great little workers. Plus, they’re very friendly and he have a hive by my backdoor and nine more in the front. They’re easy-going, and never a problem to anyone. Reported that in 2021, when a swarm of bees arrived at his house in his hometown located at Kg Kundang Patah, in Raub, Pahang. He heard that bees are important and that you can relocate them and went online to see how that might work. From  YouTube and Facebook yielded some information, but relocating a hive is a bit too complex for everyday folk. Soffian called Bee Savior in for the job but his passion for all things apian had been ignited. He watched Mr Lail from Bee Savior move my first bees and after that he decided to take lessons.

In other case activist known as Soffian who now lives in Sungai Merab, Kajang, Selangor recently became a bee rescuer himself. In addition there are more bees came to visit. He live near the forest so they come and live with me. There are seven hives near me now and he watch them every morning, going in and out (of the hives), working away and love them. Before he was told in school that bees are dangerous but they’re not and many people should live side by side as neighbours. Soffian has a day job as a technician but he also continues his volunteer work as bee rescuer. “Tomorrow, I’m relocating two hives. I will bring one to my place and the other to the forest. I will take my wife and my five-year-old son along for this trip. Some hives near Soffian’s home in Sungai Merab, Kajang, Selangor. The bee lover notes that some people call regularly, as they have one hive after another moving in. It’s grist to the mill for Soffian. His favourite species is the red dwarf honeybee or Apis florea because they can build hives anywhere. Sometimes they build in a corridor, sometimes under a table they are very creative!. They are small bees but they can fly quite high too so he had to move them from apartments. Actually when farmers moving bees there are essentially interfering with their home. The Asian honeybee (Apis cerana) able to sting and they sometimes want to fight human. He stun them with smoke and wear protection normlly use two T-shirts instead of one. I get that they’re worried, and it’s OK if they sting me and better not to  allergic. He also an active advocate for bee protection in Malaysia. He posts on Facebook and Tik Tok and educating friends and spreading the good news. better not to burn them but better to save them. Anybody see bees, just call Bee Savior and we’ll come and get the bees for you. Its Free!. Anybody can’t just dump a log of bees in the garden and hope it works. The environment needs to be sustainable. Local need to know your basics, like how bee colonies work from the queen who lays the eggs to the worker bees. Also, you need to be aware of weather and monsoon patterns so you know when to collect honey. By reading a book, taking a short course, or working with an existing beekeeper should be enough to get you started. Thanks...

By,

M Anem,

Senior Agronomist,

Hotel Zenith Putrajaya,

Putrajaya,

Malaysia.

(August 2024).