BACHOK, May 7 — While many choose to slow down after retirement, a group of retirees in Kuala Rekang, Melawi, have taken a different path by reviving idle land with Harumanis mangoes, which are now gaining recognition and putting Bachok on the map.

The premium mango, previously synonymous with Perlis, is gradually establishing a new foothold in Kelantan.

What began as a casual conversation among friends has grown into a shared source of income, strengthening community ties and giving new meaning to life after retirement.

Head of the Harumanis farm project, Mohd Rudzuan Jusoh, 53, said the initiative was sparked in late 2019 following discussions with fellow villagers after Isyak prayers, before evolving into a group farming project involving more than 40 participants.

“The idea was well received as the participants wanted to make use of idle former tobacco land while generating new income through high-value agriculture.

“We sourced the seedlings from Perlis at our own cost and cultivated them in stages,” he told Bernama recently.

He said more than 3,000 Harumanis trees are now being cultivated, with most of the participants comprising retired civil servants, including teachers, who have the time, interest and capital to venture into agriculture after leaving service.

Mohd Rudzuan Jusoh and his wife Rabiatun Naemah Mohd Azmy show ripe Harumanis mangoes. — Bernama pic

He added that Bachok’s geographical advantages, its coastal location, prolonged hot weather and sufficient water supply make it suitable for the crop, along with the fertile land previously used for tobacco farming.

“According to feedback from customers, including those from Kuala Lumpur, the taste and aroma of Harumanis Bachok are comparable to those from Perlis. We offer both fully ripe (yellow) and semi-ripe (green) fruit based on demand,” he said.

Mohd Rudzuan said Harumanis trees typically begin to bear fruit within three to five years, and for this May season, the harvest is estimated at three tonnes, among the best yields so far.

He said sales will begin on May 16, with premium-grade fruit priced at RM100 for three kilogrammes and Grade A at RM100 for four kilogrammes.

Farm purchases are also available at RM100 for five kilogrammes without grading, including the option for customers to pick the fruit themselves.

Meanwhile, retired teacher Rasidi Teh, 63, said the project’s success proves that retirees can remain active and generate income while strengthening community bonds.

“From idle land, it has become a shared source of livelihood. We hope Kuala Rekang can emerge as a new Harumanis hub in Kelantan,” he said, expressing appreciation for the state government’s support through courses and grants to expand the cultivation. — Bernama 

KANGAR, May 5 — The hardware shop owner detained over the discovery of Jawi inscriptions bearing the word “Allah” at a small shrine at his premises in Seriab near here has been released on police bail.

Kangar district police chief Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the man was released earlier yesterday.

However, he said the probe is ongoing, with the investigation paper to be completed before being referred to the State Prosecution Director for further action.

“Police take a serious view of any act that could threaten public order and will take firm action against any individual involved,” he said in a statement yesterday.

Yusharifuddin advised the public not to speculate or share videos of the incident, as it could disrupt public harmony and order, and urged all parties to respect religious sensitivities and refrain from any act that could spark racial or religious tension.

The media reported yesterday that the 61-year-old man was arrested at 3pm by officers from the district police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Division.

Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim had earlier told Bernama that police received a report at 2.30 pm yesterday after a man watched a video of the incident on the Facebook page “SAYA ANAK PERLIS”.

The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act. — Bernama 

KUALA LUMPUR, May 4 — Thunderstorms, heavy rain and strong winds are expected to hit most states until 5pm today, according to the Malaysian Meteorological Department.

In an alert issued at 2.30pm, MetMalaysia said the affected areas include Perlis, as well as Kedah (Kubang Pasu, Padang Terap, Kuala Muda, Sik, Baling, Kulim and Bandar Baharu) and Penang (Seberang Perai Utara, Seberang Perai Tengah and Seberang Perai Selatan).

The same warning also covers Perak (Hulu Perak, Kuala Kangsar, Kinta, Kampar, Batang Padang and Mualim), Pahang (Cameron Highlands, Lipis, Raub, Jerantut, Bentong, Kuantan, Pekan and Rompin) and Selangor (Hulu Selangor and Hulu Langat).

In addition, similar weather conditions are expected in Negeri Sembilan (Seremban, Port Dickson and Rembau), Melaka (Alor Gajah and Melaka Tengah), and Johor (Segamat, Kluang, Mersing, Pontian, Kulai, Kota Tinggi and Johor Bahru).

In Sarawak, the affected areas include Sri Aman, Betong (Betong), Sarikei (Pakan), Sibu (Sibu and Selangau), Mukah (Daro, Matu, Dalat and Mukah), Bintulu (Tatau and Bintulu), Miri (Subis, Miri and Marudi), as well as Limbang.

In Sabah, the warning covers the interior (Sipitang, Tenom, Kuala Penyu, Beaufort and Nabawan), west coast, Tawau and Kudat. — Bernama

KANGAR, May 4 — The Raja of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin Jamalullail, is confident that Perlis has the potential to emerge as a “Second Dubai”, serving as gateway to Asean countries within the next few years.

Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said he believes the state can grow into a trading hub, innovation centre and regional economic meeting point, given its strategic location in the northern part of Peninsular Malaysia bordering Thailand.

“I also hope that in the coming years, just as Dubai is recognised globally as a gateway to the Middle East, I am confident that Perlis too can emerge as a ‘Second Dubai’, becoming an open gateway to Asean countries.

“With the state’s strategic location in northern Peninsular Malaysia, bordering Thailand, and supported by the commitment of the state government, the Northern Corridor Implementation Authority (NCIA), the Ministry of Entrepreneur and Cooperatives Development (KUSKOP), as well as the strength of the cooperative movement, I firmly believe Perlis can develop into a trading hub, innovation centre and a regional economic meeting point,” he said.

He said this when officiating the ANGKASA Perlis International Market 2026 at the Department of Irrigation and Drainage (JPS) Floating Market here last night. Also in attendance were the Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, and the Raja Puan Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Dr Hajah Lailatul Shahreen Akashah Khalil.

Also present were Perlis Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah and National Cooperative Movement of Malaysia (ANGKASA) president Datuk Seri Dr Abdul Fattah Abdullah.

Meanwhile, Tuanku Syed Sirajuddin said the organisation of the international market was not merely a platform for discourse and exchange of ideas, but also showcased a broader dimension with participation from Malaysia, Thailand, Indonesia and China.

His Royal Highness said the programme reflects not only strong reception at the state and national levels, but has also successfully attracted international attention and participation, thereby positioning Perlis as an increasingly trusted and respected regional cooperative economic networking hub.

“The organisation of the International Market at the JPS Floating Market indirectly transforms this location into a new competitive tourism destination, while elevating the image of Perlis on a wider stage. This is a significant recognition of the state’s potential, and I deeply appreciate it,” he said.  — Bernama 

KANGAR, May 4 — Police have arrested the owner of a hardware business in connection with the discovery of Jawi inscriptions bearing the word “Allah” on a small shrine at his premises in Seriab, here yesterday.

Kangar police chief ACP Yusharifuddin Mohd Yusop said the 61-year-old man was arrested at 3pm by officers from the district police headquarters’ Criminal Investigation Division.

“The case is being investigated under Section 298 of the Penal Code and Section 14 of the Minor Offences Act,” he said in a brief statement tonight.

Meanwhile, Perlis police chief Datuk Muhammad Abdul Halim earlier told Bernama that police received a report at 2.30 pm after a man watched a video about the incident on the Facebook page “SAYA ANAK PERLIS.”

He added that the Perlis Islamic Religious Affairs Department is also assisting in the investigation. — Bernama