Kampung gadek: The Progressive Rukun Tetangga (RT) of Kampung Gadek took a bold step last November by venturing into ayam saga poultry farming with a RM35,000 allocation from the Ministry of National Unity.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Progressive RT Kampung Gadek secretary Suhaiti Ariffin said the allocation was used to build coops, purchase chicks, farming equipment, and feed, all managed within the Agrofarm Sahabat Gadek area. Suhaiti, who also manages Agrofarm Sahabat Gadek, mentioned that the project began with 300 chicks and has now entered its third phase since September, witnessing growing demand, especially during festive seasons.

Suhaiti explained that unlike most other Rukun Tetangga Areas (KRT) which focus on agriculture, they opted to rear ayam saga developed by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) in collaboration with Agrofarm Sahabat Gadek, which is MARDI’s appointed parent stock breeder. She acknowledged the risks associated with poultry farming but was determined to proceed as ayam saga grow faster and reach higher weights than local breeds, offering better profit potential.

So far, the RT has sold over 600 ayam saga in various forms, including fresh, smoked, frozen, and as chicks, involving 10 active committee members. The chickens are sold at RM17 per kilogramme (live), RM23 per kilogramme (frozen), and RM15 per packet (smoked), with 15 percent of the sales proceeds channeled back to the RT. Sales are made directly to local buyers visiting the farm and through programs organized by the Melaka Department of National Unity and Integration (JPNIN) and the Wakil Rakyat Untuk Rakyat (WRUR) initiative.

In addition to ayam saga farming, Progressive RT Kampung Gadek also cultivates brinjal using fertigation methods alongside poultry farming to help boost members’ income. Meanwhile, RT Progressive Kampung Gadek chairman Ismail Abdul Latif said the chicken and brinjal farming projects have received continuous support, monitoring, and assistance from various government agencies, particularly the state JPNIN, MARDI, the Department of Veterinary Services, and the Department of Agriculture.

He noted that the initiative has not only improved members’ income but also raised awareness of the potential and demand of the ayam saga industry if developed on a larger scale. Ismail acknowledged the risks of ayam saga farming, especially disease threats if not properly managed, but expressed satisfaction with how smoothly the project has been running. The RT has also organized training for those interested in learning and has become a model reference for ayam saga farming among other RT areas in and outside Melaka.

Progressive RT Kampung Gadek is one of six Progressive RTs established in Melaka to empower local communities through eight focus areas: livelihood economy, community security and resilience, leadership, community wellbeing, lifelong learning, environment, cultural heritage, and innovation.