From guarding the nation to growing chillies, Sabah veteran starts again in Kiulu

Tuaran, Nov 10 — After more than a decade serving in the Malaysian Armed Forces, Hayword Losuil has embarked on a new journey as an agricultural entrepreneur, producing bird’s eye chillies to support the community’s food security. The 38-year-old Sabahan, who served in the military from 2008 to 2022, attributes his resolve to venture into agriculture to his passion for farming.

He began his farming journey at KDO Farm in Kampung Tompinahaton, Kiulu, Sabah, in 2023, following a farming course organized by the Armed Forces Fund Board (Perhebat) in Selangor.

Located 47 kilometers northeast of Kota Kinabalu, Kiulu is known for its scenic green valleys, rural tourism, and white-water rafting. However, it also has immense potential as an agricultural hub in Sabah, particularly for bird’s eye chillies, which enjoy stable market demand in Tuaran, Tamparuli, and Kiulu. Hayword's interest in this venture grew after recognizing the crop's market potential and its demand in the region.

He adopted military discipline in managing his farm, emphasizing punctuality, consistency, and cleanliness in crop care.

Starting with RM5,000 of his own capital, Hayword gradually expanded his farm from 100 polybags to 256 within two years. His farm now cultivates about 1,000 bird’s eye chilli plants on a 0.08-hectare plot, utilizing modern cultivation techniques and adhering to Good Agricultural Practices (GAP). KDO Farm produces an average of 50 to 60 kilograms of fresh chillies per week during peak season, earning between RM2,000 and RM3,000 per harvest.

The entrepreneur plans to diversify his crop portfolio with ginger cultivation soon. Despite challenges such as fluctuating weather, diseases, and pest attacks, Hayword maintains vigilance through regular inspections, balanced fertilization, pest control, and environmental cleanliness. He also leverages digital marketing tools to promote his products and strengthen his farm's reputation in the market.