{
  "id": 9663261,
  "title": "How a ‘food forest’ is bringing neighbours together",
  "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-a-food-forest-is-bringing-neighbours-together",
  "topic": "world",
  "section": "World",
  "published": "2026-09-25T00:00:00.000Z",
  "source": {
    "name": "Free Malaysia Today",
    "slug": "free-malaysia-today",
    "url": "https://www.freemalaysiatoday.com/category/leisure/2026/09/25/how-a-food-forest-is-bringing-neighbours-together"
  },
  "original_language": "en",
  "account": "A 'food forest' in Kuala Lumpur is bringing residents of 1Razak Mansion together. Once an overgrown patch of land near a funeral hall and rubbish room, the 560-square-foot area has been transformed into a community garden over the past eight months. More than 80 species of vegetables, fruits, and herbs have been planted, with around 60 residents participating. The garden has become a shared activity that promotes food, movement, and community.\n\nResidents, including 75-year-old Siti Hanah Ahmad and 67-year-old Azni Saharin, have found joy in gardening and cooking together. Ms. Saharin emphasizes the benefits of saving on household expenses and sharing gardening and cooking skills. Alice Fernandez, 64, notes that the garden provides older residents with an opportunity to connect with nature and relax their minds. The garden also serves as a place for residents to exchange food traditions, such as preparing nasi ulam using ingredients grown in the garden.\n\nThe food forest project, developed by social entrepreneur Billy Tang, aims to improve the lives of older residents by encouraging them to engage in practical activities together. Weekly activities now include Tai Chi, Zumba, cooking classes, and traditional Chinese medicine services. The garden has also become a space for residents to learn about recycling, composting, and sustainable food production. With plans for a larger second phase in Batang Kali, the concept of food forests as a starting point for healthier ageing, environmental learning, and stronger neighbourhood participation is expected to expand.",
  "summary": "An abandoned patch behind a Kuala Lumpur housing block now grows vegetables, herbs and friendships, giving older residents a reason to spend more time outdoors.",
  "key_points": [],
  "editors_take": null,
  "illustration": null,
  "coverage": {
    "outlets": 2,
    "also_reported_by": [
      {
        "outlet": "Free Malaysia Today",
        "title": "How a ‘food forest’ is bringing neighbours together",
        "url": "https://urgent.news/2026/09/25/how-a-food-forest-is-bringing-neighbours-together-9667310",
        "published": "2026-09-25T00:00:00.000Z"
      }
    ]
  },
  "ai_generated": true,
  "disclaimer": "Summaries, key points and the editor’s take are written by software from other outlets’ reporting and may contain errors — always check the linked original."
}