GOMBAK, 7 January – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) is spearheading the development of a community garden in Kampung Melayu Wira Damai, Gombak, as part of efforts to strengthen the socioeconomic wellbeing of local residents through the Kampung Angkat MADANI and Sekolah Angkat MADANI programmes organised by the Department of Higher Education (JPT).
Director General of Higher Education, Department of Higher Education, Datuk Prof. Dr. Azlinda Azman said the Kampung Angkat MADANI programme provides opportunities for public universities to act as strategic partners to communities by channelling academic expertise, research capabilities and community service initiatives.
“This programme aims not only to improve the quality of life of the residents but also to nurture students who are more aware of the realities and needs of society,” she said.
UPM’s involvement in Kampung Melayu Wira Damai is led by the University Community Transformation Centre (UCTC), under the leadership of its Director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairulmazmi Ahmad.
As project director, Assoc. Prof. Dr. Khairulmazmi Ahmad said the community garden development began in April 2025 and has since delivered direct impact to the local community.
“The community garden project aims to enhance community knowledge, particularly in agriculture and agricultural landscape development, while also improving residents’ socioeconomic status through income generation from the sale of vegetables and kelulut honey,” he said.
He added that joint participation in gardening activities has helped strengthen social ties within the community.
“Relationships among community members have become closer through active involvement in on-site activities.”
“UCTC will continue to guide all participants should they face any challenges in community development, to ensure sustained implementation and that the project remains sustainable rather than a one-off initiative,” he said.
In addition to UPM, several other local universities are involved in the Kampung Angkat Madani programme in Kampung Melayu Wira Damai, including Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa Malaysia (UIAM) and Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM).
The Wira Damai Community Garden involves nine participants, comprising single mothers and senior citizens.
