Soroptimist International Region of Malaysia (Sirom) recently conducted a community initiative called “The Sustainable Food Security Project” in Bentong, Pahang as a comprehensive approach to address the issue in Malaysia. The programme focused on feeding the hungry and revolutionizing the entire food system, encompassing production, distribution, consumption, and waste management.
Sirom’s president, Soon Lay Ean, highlighted that the event gathered Malaysian soroptimists from all states to collectively address one of the world’s most pressing challenges, which is food security. Sirom is a dynamic global volunteer movement striving to transform the lives of women and girls with around 62,000 members in 123 countries, advocating education, empowerment, and opportunities for women and girls.
During the event, participants engaged in discussions and activities aimed at exploring solutions to enhance food security, such as promoting sustainable agricultural practices tailored for the indigenous community. The project trained 10 Orang Asli families in vegetable cultivation and aquaponic farming, providing them with practical skills to improve food self-sufficiency and sustainability within their communities.
By equipping participants with a diverse skill set, the initiative aims to improve their immediate earning potential while fostering long-term resilience within their communities. Those selected for training were individuals facing challenges in securing permanent employment, with some girls specifically trained in produce and chicken farming.
The initiative is designed not only to bolster food security by increasing production but also to ensure the food produced is nutritious, environmentally sustainable, and promotes social justice by empowering marginalized communities. Families are now earning income by selling their cultivated crops and farming products, with Tilapia fish harvested from the aquaponic systems being consumed locally and sold to restaurants, enhancing the socioeconomic status of indigenous women.
A consistent supply of food must be ensured through domestic production, both for local consumption and distribution to the population. People must have the economic means to access this food, involving having adequate income or resources to purchase or otherwise obtain nutritious food. Focusing on production and economic access aims to establish a sustainable and fair food system that enhances the health and nutrition of everyone.
This approach aligns with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, particularly Zero Hunger, Good Health and Well-being, and Responsible Consumption and Production. By promoting practices that minimize environmental impact, enhance efficiency in food production and distribution, and promote equity by ensuring fair access to resources and opportunities throughout the food supply chain, Sirom’s Sustainable Food Security Project is making a significant impact in addressing food security in Malaysia.