Image Credit: Copilot
GUA MUSANG, June 4: What began as a backyard experiment has blossomed into a community movement. For the past two years, Tasmanian grape grower Azizul Rahman Hamzah, 50, has been giving away grapes and cuttings — free of charge — to anyone keen on cultivating the fruit in their own gardens.
Nearly 100 visitors have already stopped by his home in Taman Wangsa Mewangi to collect saplings or cuttings, while others come simply to pluck the ripe grapes that spill over his fence, according to a Bernama report.
Azizul, a cook by profession, said the idea struck him after realising how costly grape saplings were in the market.
“I paid RM90 for a small 0.6‑metre sapling. Not everyone can afford that, so I decided to share my harvest with anyone who wants to try growing grapes,” he explained.
He also shares tips and updates on Facebook, encouraging more people to drop by and take home cuttings. His passion for grape cultivation began during the COVID‑19 pandemic, when gardening surged as a popular hobby.
Inspired by successful growers in Rawang, Bachok and Machang, he decided to test whether grapes could thrive in Gua Musang’s climate.
The results have been sweet. His vines now bear fruit all-year‑round, yielding up to 20 kg per season. Contrary to the belief that grapes only flourish in cool highlands, Azizul’s backyard proves otherwise.
“With enough sunlight, water, and simple care like pruning and fertilising, grapevines can thrive here (in Malaysia) too,” he said.
For Azizul, the effort is about more than fruit. He hopes grape cultivation can become a new identity for Gua Musang, beautifying the district while fostering community spirit.
“I don’t mind sharing my blessings. If more people plant grapes, we can create an attractive landscape together,” he said with a smile.
WE