Fresh look for Johor library farm

THERE is an aquaponic farm in Johor’s capital where visitors can harvest vegetables for free.

The upgraded Petrosains PlayFarm at Johor Public Library Corporation’s (PPAJ) central library in Jalan Yahya Awal offers hands-on activities to learn about sustainable farming and environmental stewardship.

Petrosains PlaySmart Johor Baru centre lead Muhd Al Awwab Che Ahmad said it combined fish rearing with vegetable cultivation in what is called a closed-loop ecosystem.

“There are around 150 red tilapia at the farm and more than 15 types of vegetables like corn, brinjal, pak choi, kangkung and herbs being grown.

“Waste produced by fish supplies nutrients to the plants. The plants in turn help filter and clean the water for the fish,” he told StarMetro.

He said the public could walk in for free to explore, learn basic modern farming techniques and even harvest the vegetables.

“They can also take the vegetables home without charge but must visit the weighing station before leaving for data tracking.”

The farm, which started in 2018, opened to the public in 2019. It closed temporarily for upgrading works.

In early December last year it reopened with a refreshed look, with staff and volunteers to guide visitors.

The upgraded facility was launched by Johor education and information committee chairman Aznan Tamin who said the farm and library could be packaged as an edutainment destination for families.

“PPAJ’s main library is the first to collaborate with Petrosains, giving students and families a chance to touch, feel and experience science through interactive exhibits.

“The farming initiative gives visitors a more enriched experience as they get to learn the basics of modern farming.”

Meanwhile, Petrosains Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Ezarisma Azni Mohamad said the initiative was driven by the vision to inspire sustainable living and nurture environmental stewardship from a young age.

“Since its opening in 2019, the farm has welcomed nearly 30,000 visitors.

“Following its revitalisation at the end of last year, it recorded close to 11,000 visitors in just two months,” he said.

He added that the initiative aligned with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals and PETRONAS’ own sustainability and education agenda by embedding environmental responsibility and eco-conscious behaviour into everyday learning.

Via partnerships with institutions like Universiti Teknologi Malaysia, the initiative continued to advance sustainable innovation while engaging schools, families and communities.

Also present at the launch were PETRONAS education and human capital investment senior general manager Akmal Niza Ahmad, PETRONAS Southern stakeholder relations and business experience senior manager Mohd Khairuddin Suradi and PPAJ director Ungku Noorakmal Ungku Sulaiman.

The library is open from 9am to 5pm, Monday to Sunday and closed on public holidays.