MIRI: There are several hydroponic vegetable farmers in Sarawak, but one stands out among them although his spends most of his time sitting down.
Ng Sza Liang, a 61-year-old double-leg amputee who gets about using a wheelchair, began planting hydroponic vegetables a year ago and has been doing quite well.
Senadin assemblyman Datuk Lee Kim Shin has visited Ng’s residence in Tudan Desaras here where the hydroponic project is located.
Ng’s efforts caught the attention of some state leaders and Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg, who visited him during Chinese New Year earlier this year, approved the project.
“We promised to help him set up a proper hydroponic vegetable growing facility. So the Agriculture Department came in and the project has just been completed,” said Lee during his visit yesterday.
He said it cost RM16,000 to concrete the whole area and set up the facilities.
“Ng would be able to produce about 300kg of vegetables a month,” he said, adding that he was impressed by Ng’s initiative to set up the hydroponic garden.
“He has set a very good example. Although he is handicapped, he is able to earn his own living by growing vegetables,” he said, adding that Ng was a good role model and example for others.
Lee, who is also Transport Minister, said that Ng was willing to teach others, especially handicapped individuals, who were interested in growing hydroponic vegetables as well.
According to him, a hydroponic vegetable garden did not require a large area and people could set up the facilities within their home compound. He said that Ng had embarked on his endeavour with a starting cost of RM3,000 to set up the required facilities.
