Grow Your Own Vegetables for Future Generation – Consumers Association Penang

GROW A PLANT IN 2026 – CAP’s “Grow Your Own Vegetables for Future Generation” programme on 31 December 2025, a New Year initiative aimed at promoting sustainable chemical-free urban farming, environmental awareness, and community empowerment.

The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) organised “Grow Your Own Vegetables for Future Generation” programme, a New Year initiative aimed at promoting sustainable chemical-free urban farming, environmental awareness, and community empowerment. The programme was officiated by the Mayor of Penang Island, Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony, demonstrating the shared commitment to nurturing a generation that is food-literate, environmentally conscious, and equipped with practical life skills.

*Students and children at the CAP programme.*

*Students happy with gifts of plants to grow.*

CAP has long championed urban agriculture as a transformative approach to reduce household costs, improve access to fresh and nutritious food, and strengthen community ties. This initiative encourages families, teachers, and students to grow vegetables, herbs, and edible plants, even in limited spaces using creative and sustainable methods. Everyday household containers, such as bottles, milk cartons, and tin cans, can be repurposed to cultivate plants such as okra, eggplant, chillies, leafy greens, mint, pegaga, and selom, providing families with a reliable source of fresh and chemical-free produce.

The programme also emphasizes the crucial role of schools and teachers in fostering environmental education. Through gardening and hands-on learning, students gain practical knowledge of plant growth, sustainable farming, and natural cycles, while developing an early awareness of climate change and the impact of human activities on the environment.

*Students and children with the MBPP Mayor at the programme’s Grow A Plant event held at the CAP Urban Garden.*

*MBPP Mayor Dato’ Ir Rajendran P Anthony planting a plant in a pot during the programme.*

By turning school grounds, unused land, or even small home spaces into green learning environments, CAP believes children can cultivate curiosity, responsibility, and a sense of stewardship for the planet.

In addition to promoting sustainable living, the initiative addresses current challenges faced by local farmers, including rising input costs, unpredictable weather, floods, and labour shortages, which have affected food production and prices. By growing vegetables at home, consumers can alleviate the impact of these challenges while saving on grocery bills and gaining a deeper understanding of food sources and sustainability practices.

*Mayor of MBPP Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony with CAP Officer Mr N V Subbarow and students who attended the Grow A Plant event at CAP Urban Garden.*

*CAP Senior Education Officer N V Subbarow (left) presenting the Mayor of MBPP Dato’ Ir. Rajendran P. Anthony (right) with a potted live plant.*

As we step into 2026, CAP calls on all Malaysians to make a simple yet powerful resolution which is to sow seeds for the future. Growing your own vegetables and herbs is more than just a practical step toward fresh, healthy food; it is an investment in self-reliance, resilience, and the wellbeing of our communities and environment. By taking this small but meaningful action, families can cultivate not only nutritious food but also values of responsibility, care for the planet, and mindful living.

Let this New Year be a reminder that each seed planted is a step toward a greener, healthier, and more sustainable Malaysia. CAP hopes that Malaysians will embrace this resolution wholeheartedly, turning everyday spaces into gardens of growth and opportunity, and inspiring the next generation to take pride in caring for both their families and the world they inherit.

N V Subbarow
Senior Education Officer
Consumers’ Association of Penang

Press Statement, 31 December 2025