KAMPUNG BUKIT KUCHING, 13 December – The Social Lab of the Faculty of Human Ecology (FEM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), organised the Rural Entrepreneur Empowerment Programme through Food Safety Literacy and Certification in collaboration with the Kampung Bukit Kuching community, Jeram, Kuala Selangor. The programme, held at the Kampung Bukit Kuching Community Hall from 8.30 a.m. to 1.30 p.m., involved the participation of 20 participants. This initiative marked Phase 1 of the programme, focusing on enhancing basic literacy in food safety and quality among existing and aspiring rural food entrepreneurs. The main highlight of the programme was a food safety talk delivered by Ms Nur Farhana binti Mohd Saadon, an officer from the Food Safety and Quality Division, Selangor State Health Department. The session provided insights into the requirements for the Food Handlers Training Certificate, safe food handling practices, as well as an introduction to the Malaysian Food Safety Certification Scheme for Responsibility of Industry (MeSTI) and Home-Based Food Listing, aimed at ensuring regulatory compliance and improving the marketability of rural entrepreneurs’ products. The programme continued with an interactive question-and-answer session led by the Project Leader, assisted by Faculty of Human Ecology students, Ms Fatinah Waries Merican binti Abdul Aziz and Ms Nurul Fatihah binti Azman. This approach enabled participants to seek further clarification through focused yet informal discussions. The successful implementation of the programme was made possible through close collaboration with the Village Head of Kampung Bukit Kuching, Mr Zulkifli bin Tugimim, together with the JPKK committee member, Ms Norfazila, who provided valuable support in community coordination and programme logistics. The programme also received sponsorship support from Adabi Consumer Industries Sdn. Bhd., Fraser & Neave (F&N) and Magnum, which contributed various products throughout the programme. In addition, the programme was supported by the Social Lab team from the Faculty of Human Ecology, comprising Mr Zamre Yaacob, Mr Abdul Hadi Mohd Rashdi, Mr Mohd Aspah Kasim and Ms Nurul Syafika binti Sir Muhamad, alongside the active involvement of faculty students as facilitators and field assistants. As a closing segment, participants received certificates of participation, souvenirs and a luncheon. Overall, the programme received highly positive feedback and successfully enhanced community awareness of the importance of food safety. This initiative reflects UPM’s ongoing commitment to empowering communities through knowledge transfer that is grounded in the real needs of society.- END Project Leader: Dr. Nur Amalina Aqilah binti Jaafar News by: Ms. Nurul Fatihah binti Azman Photography by: Mr. Mohd. Aspah Kasim (TDAA Office, FEM), UPM

Date of Input: 15/12/2025 | Updated: 17/12/2025 | aspah.kasim