LOCATION: KUANTAN, PAHANG

Kebun Kota, founded in May 2012, is a pioneer in sustainable urban agriculture, specializing in aquaponics—an integrated system that combines aquaculture and hydroponics to promote circular resource use. By addressing the water-food-energy nexus, the organization supports environmental, social, and governance (ESG) goals through innovative food production methods.

Kebun Kota collaborates with institutions like Universiti Malaysia Pahang (UMP), IIUM, UTM, and Imperial College London on research and technology transfer in aquaponics and water-energy systems. Notable initiatives include BIRUMAS®, an aquaponics system using treated bio-effluent, developed with Indah Water Konsortium and the Ministry of Natural Resources, Environment and Climate Change.

Beyond agriculture, Kebun Kota is active in the F&B sector and promotes sustainable produce through direct sales. It also partners with local authorities and NGOs to champion environmental stewardship and community empowerment, working to transform urban landscapes into resilient green spaces.

2024 Project – Enhancing Visitor Experience and Environmental Sustainability Project at Taman Pertanian Jubli Perak, Sultan Haji Ahmad Shah (Pahang)

The aim of this project was to revitalize the shuttered Taman Pertanian Jubli Perak (Kuantan Agripark) so that it may once again serve as a dynamic urban green space for recreation, environmental education, and economic activity. Much of the work revolved around improving the polluted waterways and lakes, removing derelict and unsafe structures, and upgrading salvageable buildings and visitor amenities. A thorough audit was conducted of the existing building footprint of the park and the conditions of all structures and shelters. A carefully considered renovation and refurbishment plan was developed to clear unusable structures and repurpose others to restore the main entrance, office, surau and toilets.

The project focused on rehabilitating environmental conditions and restoring visitor amenities. Extensive earthworks were implemented to restore polluted waterways by desilting, unclogging drainage channels, and clearing two ponds. They implemented essential rehabilitation work too. A walkway around the ponds was constructed with a proper platform built around it for the comfort of visitors. Restored waterways, cleared and installed new walkways, enhanced landscaping and upgraded visitor amenities have made the park a cleaner, safer, and more accessible green space

While there is still considerable work to be done, this initial work has made it possible to reopen sections of the park to the public, something that is eagerly anticipated by the public, particularly schools and youth organizations.