NEWS BULLETIN January ~ May 2011 - cetdem

Happenings
January
22 nd [Saturday] ~ 23 rd [Sunday]
Organic Farming Short Course
NEWS BULLETIN January ~ May 2011
CETDEM kicked off the first event in year 2011 by conducting a much awaited 2-days organic
farming short course on 22 ~ 23 January at CETDEM Organic Farming Community Centre (OFCC). 14
participants joined this course to learn about the general principles and concepts of organic farming. This
course covered theoretical lectures as well as practicum which included the making of compost, bokashi
and kuntan instructed by Ms SL Tan, the CETDEM Organic Farming Project Coordinator.
Other lecturers included Mr. Chan Han Hee, former Director (Horticulture Division) of DOA, to lecture
on “Plant diseases, pests and disorders” and Mr. Kenny Ng of Green Wish Vegi Garden, to share his
organic farming experience and demonstrate the making of IMO. On the second day‟s afternoon, the
participants were taken on an exposure trip to GK Organic Farm. We were grateful for the input
contributed by Mr. Gan Koon Chai and refreshments provided by the management. Overall, the
participants found this course to be useful and realistic for future practices.
Learning about pests & diseases
Making Kuntan
Composting
Learning how to cultivate indigenous
microorganism
Learning about cropping system
1

15 th [Saturday]
Tanamera Gated Community
CETDEM was engaged by GEC (Global Environment Centre), an NGO to help the Tanamera
Community to start an organic garden and making compost (Jan ~ March)
Fruits of labour!
_________________________________________________________________________________
February
27 th [Sunday]
Soap Making Class & Bin Composting Class
Both classes were conducted at CETDEM Organic Farming
Community Centre. The soap making class was instructed by
Ms. Soo Cheng, our KGG member, from 10am to 12pm with 9
participants. Participants learned how to make soap the natural
way. At the end of the lesson, every participant was delighted to
bring home a 500g soap hand-made by themselves. In the
afternoon, 5 participants attended the bin composting conducted
by Ms SL Tan of CETDEM.
28 th [Monday] & 4 th [Friday] March
Study visit to OFCC and Green Wish Vegi Garden
Johnsons Control Int. (JCI) organized a study visit to OFCC and CETDEM‟s
Energy Efficient Demo office on 28th. The group of 12 visited OFCC in the
morning. They toured the vegetable garden and attended a talk on organic
farming and also learned about how CETDEM reaches out to public on the
importance of organic farming/food & sustainable living through various
activities organized.
After refreshments, they proceeded to the CETDEM Office in SS 2 to attend a talk on “Energy Efficiency
at Home” and experienced for themselves the cool environment without air conditioning!
On 4 th March, another group of 33 JCI staff were taken on a day trip to Green Wish Vegi Garden in
Chenderiang, Perak to experience and understand better the life of an organic farmer.
2

March
3 rd [Thursday]
Lunch at Green Green Organic Kitchen
Mrs. YH Neo, CETDEM project officer and Ms Tan, OFP Coordinator finally made it to the Green Green
Organic Kitchen in Cheras. We were very delighted to be presented with at least 5 courses of very
impressive dishes (inclusive of 1 dessert). Following are 2 of the many dishes which we think are enough
to tempt many food lovers to dine at the café………….find out more for yourself by ringing 03
92210133.
Undoubtedly, this is the kind of presentation that we wish to promote in Slow Food …… Thanks to Dr
Andrew and his team.
26 th [ Saturday]
6 th Hari Organik 2011
The much waited CETDEM‟s Hari Organik finally returned! The 5 th Hari Organik was held in July last
year. The 6 th edition Hari Organik was shifted to a new venue - Taman Pusat Bandar SS2 instead of
Section 19. A total of 40 exhibitors took part in this event on a Saturday morning from 8:30am to 2:00pm.
A pre-launch press conference was held at MBPJ Headquarters on 17th March. Those present included
MBPJ Councilors and Directors, representatives from RA SS2 Selatan, RT SS2B, vendors and media
reporters. This time, the event was very well publicized by The STAR, NST, Nanyang Sang Pau,
KomunitiKini.com, Sin Chew Daily as well as a studio interview by AIfm.
On that day, we received a constant stream of visitors from morning till afternoon. The estimated crowd
was close to 4,000. This event attracted a slightly different crowd with purchasing power and enthusiasm,
as well as many new faces. We were delighted to see more visitors of different races and age groups from
the local neighborhood communities in PJ.
Besides poster presentations, talks and demos, the Eco Band of 14 members from SMK (P) Sri Aman‟s
Toyota Eco Rangers Club members gave a music/song performance with instruments made of household
utensils!
3

Cooking Demo
Lucky Draw
Interview by RTM Hello on 2
The Hari Organik was made possible with help from more than 30 devoted and enthusiastic volunteers
and supporters. On behalf of the organizing committee, CETDEM would like to thank the following
people/organizations for their continuing support in making the 6 th Hari Organik a success:
Pn. Nazihah and her team-members of MBPJ Development Planning Department for planning,
logistic and financial support.
AI FM for granting us a live interview and announcing the event on radio.
The Star, NST, Sin Chiew Daily, Nanyang Siang Pau, KomunitiKini.com, Sinar Harian for the
wonderful press coverage
Chua Wei Jie of Long Life magazine for providing some pictures taken during Hari Organik
Ms. Mary Anne as the emcee of the event.
Puan Muhaidatulismah Bt Ismail for presenting a talk on Used Cooking Oil
Ms. Soo Cheng and Yes Organic for sponsoring lunch for the volunteers.
RTM “Hello on Two” for interviews and coverage on the event day.
Door gifts for the Press Conference: Wellness Concept (M) S/B, Everprosper Food Industries
S/B, Legenda Madu S/B, Green Sense Enterprise, Green Biz Trading & Services as well as those
who displayed their products and presence at the press Conference
Prizes for lucky draw & children‟s activities: Grand Prize from Health Paradise S/B,
Everprosper Food Industries S/B, Vision Eco Farm, Loh‟s Organic Veg. Garden, Ho Organic
Farm, Hatiku Agrikultur, Alive Health Development S/B, Green Biz, Mr. Tan Yew Leong (Eco-
Enzyme), Enderong Organic Farm, Eco Oasis.
Mdm Lee Kwee Cheng, Chairman of RT SS2B and fellow members for distributing the flyers
and assisting on the HO day. .
Betty Yeap and fellow members of SS2 Selatan Residents Association for their assistance.
Volunteers, friends and supporters and our OFP/FG/FCOFP members for distributing flyers and
assisting during Hari Organik. Special thanks to those who continue to support us.
_______________________________________________________________________
April
16 th [Saturday]
Talk at Sokai Gakkai Malaysia (SGM)
At the invitation of SGM, CETDEM Chairman, Gurmit Singh, gave a
talk on „Making Sustainable Development Happen‟ at its centre in Bukit
Bintang KL. Thanks to Wong Kam You, our dedicated KGG member
together with her husband, for their help in promoting our publications
and garden produce at the event.
4

28 th [Thursday]
„Talking Organics‟
The OFP Coordinator was interviewed by Yee Lisan of Switchup TV - a web TV under The Star
Publications. „Talking Organics‟ is a webisode where they talk about how one can implement green
practices in our everyday lifestyle.
31 st [Thursday]
Talk at SMK (P) Sri Aman, Petaling Jaya (Organic Garden Project)
The Organic Farming Project Coordinator gave a talk on organic farming to the Toyota Eco Ranger Club
members. CETDEM has been approached by the school to help start an organic vegetable plot. Since
April 7, a compost heap has been made and some plants were planted. On April 21, a small plot of land of
6m x 4m was mapped for growing the vegetables. Whether the vegetable garden will become a reality is
in the hands of the students and teacher in charge.
Composting
Bed Preparation
May
11 th [Wednesday]
„Round Table‟ Lunch
The CETDEM Organic Project started the initiative to rekindle and strengthen relationships with our
dedicated volunteers and supporters by inviting them over for a simple lunch/bites at our OFCC. The first
attempt was a simple lunch with just a group of 8 persons……as the table could only seat 8 pax! We hope
to have more of you over for a meal/bites more often! So keep in touch and see you then!
Simple lunch at OFCC
5

15th [Sunday]
Potluck Lunch Get-together
Thanks to Kim, a KGG member and an avid gardener, for agreeing to host the potluck lunch get-together
at her residence in TDDI. There were 33 of us, including many guests invited by Kim and her husband,
Philip. For many of them, this was the first time to have met a group of „organic‟ people and tasted some
the organic and otherwise healthy dishes. After lunch, Kim led the group to tour her garden.
Traditional Kelantan “Khaw Jam” prepared by Mr. Lee
Spoilt for choices
Salad rolls made by Kim, very unique!
One for the album!
_________________________________________________________________________
Organic Home Gardening by Matthew Chang
Since last year, my family and I have wanted to make use of our garden by planting vegetables.
Fortunately, Ms Tan came over to our house to teach and help us in preparing the beds. Our plants grew
well and healthy. After some time, we harvested many of the crops that were planted. They were okra,
tomatoes (more than 40 pieces were harvested), 5 pumpkins, kangkong, Japanese leaves (wild ginseng)
and New Zealand spinach. We‟d like to thank CETDEM for the kind support and help
Before
.
Before
Before
After
6

After
EAT ORGANIC FOOD
In a machine it goes,
liquid not touched by the farmer's toes
Out it shoots and sprays,
on vegetation it stays
In to the river,
some fish get fever
In soil it will sip,
worms away for a trip
Pesticides on vegetables we eat
for our body not a treat
For family for health
eat organic food we gain wealth
Matthew showing off his pumpkin
* Poem by young MATTHEW CHANG
Calendar of events
USJ Family Day “Family – Community – Environment”
Date: 11 June, Saturday 5.00pm ~ 10.00pm
Venue: MBSJ Stadium, USJ 5 UEP Subang Jaya
CETDEM will be participating in the upcoming USJ Family Day in our efforts to generate greater
awareness of green & sustainable living. We will be showcasing publications on organic
farming/gardening, food tasting and demonstrations on bin-composting and healthy food preparations.
7 th Hari Organik 2011
Date: 25 June Saturday, 8.30am ~ 2.00pm
Venue: Tesco Village Mall, Bandar Menjalara, Kepong
For our 7 th Hari Organik, we are bringing our green hopes to a new location at Tesco Village Mall,
Bandar Menjalara. We hope to see many organic producers and retailers present again to showcase their
lovely products to a new crowd.
7

Check out more about the activities being planned for the day on our website www.cetdem.org.my. Bring
your family and friends along to support our local producers and retailers and find out more about how to
live a more green and healthy lifestyle.
Baking Class (Basic) 12 pax
Learn how to make bread & oat bar from
organic ingredients.
Date: 10 July, Sunday
Time: 10.00am ~ 12.00pm
Fees: RM 40 member, RM 50 non- member
Venue: CETDEM Organic Farming
Community Centre, PJ (OFCC)
Bin Composting Class 20 pax
Learn to turn your kitchen & garden waste
into compost
Date: 10 July, Sunday
Time: 2.00pm ~ 4.00pm
Fees: RM 40 member, RM 50 non- member
Venue: CETDEM Organic Farming
Community Centre PJ (OFCC)
Slow Food Cooking Session 15 pax
Learn the simple & healthy way of dish/beverage preparation
Date: 31 July, Sunday
Time: 9.00am ~ 1.00pm
Fees: RM 60 member, RM 70 non-member
(inclusive of lunch)
Venue: OFCC
Children Activity 12 pax
Organic gardening, slow food cooking, motivational games etc
Date: 7 August, Sunday
Time: 9.00am ~ 1.00pm
Fees: RM 60
Venue: OFCC
samples
Fun Trips to Organic Farms……(N.S/Gerisek, Muar, Johor)
Date: 27-28 August, [Sat & Sun] (Over night -optional)
Venue: to be confirmed
Note – activities organized by CETDEM above may be subject to changes. Please keep posted by website
or emails.
Volunteers are needed for 7 th Hari Organik! If you are interested, please contact us at 03-
7875 7767 or 016-2195826
8

Appreciation
CETDEM would like to acknowledge and express our deep gratitude to the following
individuals/companies for their continuous support and donations to CETDEM‟s Organic Farming
Project:
Ong Ghee Sai *RM 500* Mandy Yong RM 350 * Ong Yik Gee RM 288 * KL Lee RM 100 * Lee Chuy
Fong RM 50 * Mdm Loong Foong Har RM 56 * Uma Devi RM 5. Donation in Kind: Health Paradise
S/B & Matahari S/B, CETDEM member - KL Lee for continuing to keep grass at our vegetable garden at
bay.
We apologize if we have missed out any individuals or organizations who had contributed in cash and
kind to CETDEM Organic Farming Project.
Donors to the ARI Building Fund
On behalf of ARI, Tan Siew Luang, the OFP Coordinator would like to thank the following very kind and
generous CETDEM/KGG/FG/FCOFP members for their generous support. She would also like to thank
the CETDEM management for allowing her to approach our members for donation through CETDEM.
As mentioned in the email, she was a „product‟ of Asian Rural Institute, Japan (ARI) in 1984. It was the
training at ARI which enabled CETDEM to establish an Organic Farm in Malaysia in 1986 and continue
to promote and create public awareness of the importance of organic farming/food. Thus she is very
grateful to the following members who have answered her appeal and fulfilled her obligation as a
graduate who had benefited from the Institute in a small way.
1. KL Lee
2. Loh Organic Veg Garden
3. Mr. & Mrs. Chang Hong Yun
4. Veronica Chan Ah Nooi
5. Lee Moi Yin
6. Paul Ho
7. Tan Siew Luang & Gurmit Singh
8. Seah Mooi Yoong
9. Ho Hwee Sian
10. Soo Cheng
11. Stella Tan Nai Kheng
12. Matahari S/B
13. Dino Chia
14. Green Wish Vegi Garden
15. Mrs. Neo Yee Han
16. Tan Keat Lan & Lim Mee Geok
17. Masuda Kayoko
18. Thomas Chia Boon Hwa
19. Hatiku Agrikultur
20. Kim How Lian
21. Loh Lean Kang
22. Chew Lip Sin (Tan Kim Hong)
23. Chan Organic
24. Betty L Khoo- Kingsley
25. Datin Chai Ooi Fah Schnyder
26. Mint Lew
27. Wellness Concepts (M) S/B
28. John SH Lee
29. Isaac Tan
30. Wong Kam You & Company
RM 100
RM 500
RM 500
RM 500
RM 200
RM 145
RM 3,000
RM 40
RM 20
RM 400
RM 100
RM 200
RM 100
RM 500
RM 45
RM 50
RM 30
RM 500
RM 300
RM 200
RM 1,000
RM 1,000
RM 520
RM 100
RM 3,000
RM 100
RM 350
RM 350
RM 100
RM 80
Total RM 14,030
P.O. Box 382, 46740 Petaling Jaya, MALAYSIA
Tel: +603-78757767; Fax: +603-78754039; Email: of@cetdem.org.my
9