KUALA NERUS, 25 February 2026 — Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Unit Peneraju Agenda Bumiputera (TERAJU) continue to strengthen the Bumiputera economic empowerment agenda through the implementation of the Terengganu Sweet Melon Project (MMT), which has successfully increased the income of 30 B40 farmers in the state.

The initiative, implemented under the Bumiputera Entrepreneur Development Fund (DPUB), focuses on the transfer of high-value agricultural technology and structured entrepreneurship guidance to ensure participants are able to generate consistent and sustainable income.

Of the total participants, 28 have cultivated premium melons using a modern fertigation system, while two have been involved in a stingless bee farming support project. Through this approach, each participant is now earning a minimum income of approximately RM1,200 per month and has improved their families’ standard of living.

A total of 17 Rain Shelter Houses (RPH), complete with semi-open fertigation systems, have been developed at UMT’s Bukit Kor Campus, covering approximately 1.5 hectares as the main production and training centre. The facility has a capacity of up to 7,200 polybags and serves as a technology demonstration site for participants.

In addition, 22 open fertigation planting sites have been established in Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu and Marang. Each participant has cultivated approximately 1,000 plants, supported by systematic agronomic monitoring and nutrient control to ensure fruit quality meets market standards.

Initial cultivation involving 4,000 polybags successfully produced approximately three metric tonnes of melons, setting a benchmark for larger-scale production. For the current season, the project is targeted to produce up to 20 metric tonnes per season in line with expanded production capacity and the participants’ growing expertise in crop management.

UMT provides technical training covering crop management, disease control, good agricultural practices and post-harvest handling. Meanwhile, TERAJU channels financial support and a Bumiputera entrepreneur empowerment framework, including governance and market expansion components.

Participants are also guided to transition from informal farming operations to more structured and transparent business models, including financial record management, marketing strategies and compliance with quality standards.

This holistic approach is seen as a key factor in strengthening the resilience and competitiveness of small-scale farmers in the expanding premium melon market.

One participant, Mohd Hairi Ibrahim, 41, expressed gratitude and appreciation for the opportunity provided through the project.

“I am deeply thankful to UMT and TERAJU for selecting us from the B40 group to participate in this project. Previously, my income was unstable, but now melon sales help support my family more consistently.

“Not only were we given facilities and capital assistance, but we also received continuous guidance from technical aspects to marketing. Initiatives like this greatly help people like us to rise and become self-reliant,” he said.

The collaborative approach between the university and the government agency is viewed as an effective community development model in increasing small farmers’ income, while creating opportunities for the B40 group to venture into high-impact modern agriculture.

With stable market demand for premium melons, the MMT Project is expected to continue expanding and has the potential to be extended to more locations in the future, further strengthening Terengganu’s agropreneur ecosystem and supporting the state’s inclusive economic development agenda.

Issued by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu