At 70, Ramli has found a ‘prickly’ retirement activity

When Ramli Ismail first brought home three pairs of Malayan porcupines in 2015, he was not aiming to create a business. Instead, the Malaysian retiree simply developed a fondness for the animals and wondered if he could successfully rear them behind his home in Kampung Bukit Payong. Little did he know that these three initial creatures would soon multiply into dozens, transforming his retirement routine into an unusual but rewarding endeavor.

Over the years, Ramli's colony expanded from the initial three wire-mesh cages to an astounding 22 enclosures. At one point, the population even reached a staggering 42 porcupines, each weighing between 8kg to 15kg. To accommodate this growing population, Ramli invested RM20,000 in 2018 to construct additional cages and later added another enclosure with RM20,000 in agency assistance. Despite the increasing number of animals, Ramli found that their dietary needs were relatively simple and uncomplicated.

The Malayan porcupines primarily consume pellets, corn, grass, and other plants, including leaves commonly given to goats. Ramli emphasized that these animals are not picky eaters, which made managing their diet a straightforward task. Furthermore, the porcupines proved to be hardy and adaptable creatures, making them easily manageable for Ramli to care for in his home.

A commercial license from the wildlife and national parks department allowed Ramli to rear and breed the Malayan porcupines. Some of these animals are now sold as breeding pairs, fetching around RM2,000 for a pair. While the financial aspect of the venture is appealing, Ramli found that the true value of this unusual retirement activity lies in the regular rhythm and the daily opportunity to care for something entirely different.

Additionally, Ramli noted that porcupine meat can be prepared in various ways, such as curries, soups, stir-fries, and deep-fried preparations, which yield a crisp texture. The meat sells for up to RM100 per kilogram, making this retirement activity not only a unique experience but also a potentially profitable one.