[PHOTOS] Floods wash away chilli farmer’s years of effort

DENGKIL – In a month, Ahmad Irham Mohd Noor, 40, was set to harvest his chilli crops after cultivating them using the fertigation system, a technique where dissolved fertiliser is supplied to crops through an irrigation system.

The former New Straits Times photographer, who decided to retire early in March last year, put part of the remuneration money he received through a mutual separation scheme toward getting involved in agriculture, in the hope that he could support himself through the venture.

Also know as Abe Mat, or Mat Sabu among the media fraternity, the man from Machang, Kelantan said he had finally put aside his fears and gone ahead with the venture using his compensation.

Everything was going well last year after he sowed his first chilli seeds in September, as three months later, the proud father of two reaped his first harvest of nearly two tonnes.

But that is now history. The massive floods that hit the Klang Valley on December 17 shattered Abe Mat’s hopes as his chilli farm was devastated after being submerged in floodwater for five days.

Abe Mat, who was met by The Vibes' visual team at his farm in Kg Sri Tanjung, said that his losses amounted to around RM40,000 as the flood destroyed everything.

“Imagine, there was only a month left to harvest this chilli, but the flood took everything away. Is it sad? Yes, but as human beings, we have to accept it,” he said.

According to Abe Mat, the flood struck his farm on December 17 and completely destroyed 5,000 chilli trees that were bearing fruit.

Apart from the 5,000 chilli trees, nurseries and farming equipment and machines were also inundated.

However, Abe Mat said, he has to be strong and start planting again after clearing his flattened farm.

“My income is gone because I depend on this farm alone to earn. If you want to start anew, you need capital. I will find a way, slowly, but it worries me,” he added.

The Vibes’ videographer, ALIF OMAR went down to Dengkil to capture Abe Mat’s plight. – The Vibes, December 30, 2021