Balik Pulau family turns to self-sustained living with backyard farming

BALIK PULAU – What began as a way to pass time during the Movement Control Order (MCO) has now become a daily routine for a family, who raise chickens and grow their own vegetables to cut costs and secure their own food supply.

Housewife Haniza Abdul Razak, 49, said the decision was made as their home has ample open space.

“Since the MCO, my husband started rearing chickens and even built the coop himself. We took the opportunity to use the available space for gardening and poultry farming.

“That activity has continued until now. It has become a hobby for our whole family, while also helping to reduce kitchen expenses,” she said.

She added that the activity not only helps lower household costs but also ensures fresher and cleaner food sources.

“My husband says raising our own chickens is healthier as there are no injections involved. We only slaughter them when needed for consumption,” she said.

The mother of four said they previously raised between 20 and 30 chicks per cycle, but are now down to their last five before planning to restock.

“Broiler chickens can be slaughtered after three to four months, but free-range chickens take a bit longer.

“We are planning to restock as the number of chickens has decreased.

“However, chick prices have changed. They used to cost around RM3 each, but now they have risen to about RM4.50,” she said.

Meanwhile, Haniza’s family also cultivates a variety of crops such as bitter gourd, okra, brinjal, winter melon, winged beans, cassava and chillies, as well as taro for their own consumption.

“Taro is expensive if bought in shops, so we grow it at home to save money,” she said.

Haniza added the family also practises planned grocery shopping to ensure their supplies remain sufficient.

“Dry goods such as instant noodles, pasta, vermicelli, spices, sugar, salt and canned food are bought for monthly use.

“Fresh and frozen items are purchased twice a month, depending on the situation,” she said.

She added that they store chicken, meat and fish in the freezer for long-term use, while vegetables are bought weekly as they do not last long.

“Stocking up on food has always been part of our family routine,” she said.

She noted that the practice not only helps control spending but also provides peace of mind amid current uncertainties surrounding food supply following the crisis in West Asia.