SEJAHTERA VEGETABLE GARDENS

SEJAHTERA COMMUNITY
VEGETABLE GARDENS
Dolhadi Zainudin
Suhaimi Mhd Sarif
Yusof Ismail

International Islamic University Malaysia

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SEJAHTERA COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDENS
Dolhadi Zainudin
Suhaimi Mhd Sarif
Yusof Ismail

2

First Print 2022

All rights reserved. No part of this publication may be reproduced,
stored in a retrieval system, or transmitted, in any form or by any
means, electronic, mechanical photocopying, recording, or otherwise,
without the prior written permission of the publisher.

Perpustakaan Negara Malaysia Cataloguing-in Publication Data

SEJAHTERA COMMUNITY VEGETABLE GARDENS
Dolhadi Zainudin, Suhaimi Mhd Sarif, and Yusof Ismail.
ISBN 9789672635116
1. Consumption (Economics).
2. Production (Economic theory).
3. Consumer protection.
4. COVID-19 Pandemic, 2020-.
5. Government publications--Malaysia.
I. Suhaimi Mhd. Sarif, 1975-. II. Yusof Ismail, 1955-.
III. Title.
339.47

Published by SEJAHTERA CONSUMERISM
Department of Business Administration (DEBA), Kulliyyah of
Economics and Management Sciences, International Islamic
University Malaysia, Jalan Gombak, 53100 Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia
Email: [email protected]

31 January 2022

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CONTENTS Page
8
Contents 9

PREFACE 10-11
12-13
FOREWORD 14-17
18-20
CHAPTER 1 21-22
Project Overview 23-32
33-37
CHAPTER 2 38-41
Project Information 42-44
45-55
CHAPTER 3
A Sejahtera Journey 4

CHAPTER 4
Reflections on Sejahtera Consumerism

CHAPTER 5
Sejahtera Consumerism with Basmallah

CHAPTER 6
Sejahtera Consumerism Advocacy

CHAPTER 7
Sejahtera Consumerism Action

CHAPTER 8
Engaging Students

CHAPTER 9
Engaging Community

CHAPTER 10
Curriculum Development

CHAPTER 11 56-60
Public Advocacy 61-62
63-65
CHAPTER 12 66-69
Engaging Stakeholders 70-73
74-77
CHAPTER 13 78-86
Official Opening 87-88

CHAPTER 14
Togetherness

CHAPTER 15
Sharing of Experience

CHAPTER 16
Replication at Desa Gemilang

CHAPTER 17
Lessons

REFERENCES

List of Tables
Table 6.1: Delegates of KENMS IIUM with assigned tasks for knowledge transplant at IIUM
Table 8.1: Students‟ Projects
Table 10.1: Three major projects and persons-in-charged among KENMS IIUM members
Table 10.2 Student blogs
Table 10.3: Topics in the MKTG 4312 Responsible Consumerism course
Table 11.1: Three main consumerism projects by KENMS IIUM
Table 17.1: Comparison between IIUM Sejahtera Academic Framework and CAP‟s
Basmallah Aspiration
Table 17.2: Achievement of students‟ projects that aligned with each dimension of IIUM
Sejahtera Academic Framework

List of Figures
Figure 3.1: Worship in human as servants and vicegerents of Allah
Figure 3.2: Separate contributions of KENMS IIUM and CAP
Figure 3.3: ETS Ticket
Figure 4.1: Scope of Roles and Duties of Human
Figure 4.2: Narrowed understanding of human about roles and duties
Figure 5.1: The discussion session with SM Idris (President of CAP)
Figure 5.2: Basmallah within Maqasid al-Shariah

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Figure 6.1: An officer of CAP showed the posters and exhibition materials used by CAP in
consumerism education
Figure 6.2: The flow of consumerism education efforts at CAP with the application of
basmallah
Figure 6.3: Hands-on process to make fertilizer with earth worms
Figure 6.4: Practical technique for minimal watering system
Figure 6.5: The usage of recycled bottles in watering
Figure 6.6: Aligning sunlight exposure area with watering requirement
Figure 6.7: Components of basmallah
Figure 6.8: Knowledge transfer process with food intervention
Figure 6.9: Advanced Knowledge transfer process with food intervention
Figure 6.10: Intensed knowledge transfer process with intervention of volunteers of CAP and
delicious food
Figure 6.11: Dolhadi was photographed photography at the Urban Garden of CAP
Figure 6.12: Suhaimi at the signage of CAP
Figure 6.13: Essence of basmallah in knowledge transfer
Figure 7.1: The flow of cooperation
Figure 7.2: Meeting at the Department of Business Administration
Figure 7.3: Photography moment
Figure 7.4: Briefing by Dr Ramzi
Figure 7.5: Dig out stones
Figure 7.6: Removing grass and wild plants
Figure 7.7: Ploughing process
Figure 8.1: Off-the-Job Transfer of Knowledge to the Students
Figure 8.2: On-the-Job Transfer of Knowledge to the students
Figure 8.3: Hands-on engagement with students at the vegetable garden
Figure 8.4: Influence of basmallah to all the 11 projects
Figure 9.1: A community leader showed the practical way of home gardening
Figure 9.2: A project member learnt the practical way from the community
Figure 9.3: Hands-on technical aspects of vegetable gardening
Figure 9.4: Project members from KENMS IIUM learnt watering technique
Figure 9.5: Local community leaders participated in the knowledge sharing and transfer on
vegetable gardening
Figure 10.1: Course outline of MGT 2011 Sustainability: Society and Business
Figure 10.2: An example of blog created by students
Figure 10.3: Examples of letters to editors published by students
Figure 10.4: The projects and the YouTube links
Figure 10.5: Course outline of MKTG 4312 Responsible Consumption
Figure 11.1: Acceptance of invitation letter by CAP
Figure 11.2: Advocacy session with CAP
Figure 11.3: Advertisement of organic fertilizer from food waste sold by Daya Bersih Sdn
Bhd
Figure 11.4: Site Visit by CAP Delegates at the vegetable garden
Figure 12.1: Members of the project visited nearby nursery
Figure 12.2: Dolhadi gave briefing to the members of the project visited nearby nursery
Figure 12.3: Suhaimi was giving some briefing to the members of the trip
Figure 13.1: IIUM Rector Tan Sri Dzulkifli planted some plants as part of the official
opening activities
Figure 13.2: Tan Sri Rector showed the correct way of transplanting small plants

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Figure 13.3: IIUM Rector demonstrated the correct way of distancing the plants
Figure 13.4: Students were excited to learn the practical way from Tan Sri Rector
Figure 13.5: A dialogue with IIUM alumni representative
Figure 14.1: Watering as part of gardening activities
Figure 14.2 shows the weeding part of gardening activities
Figure 14.3: IIUM Postgraduate students‟ representative at the garden
Figure 14.4: A member of the project harvested tapioca
Figure 14.5: Pengat Ubi
Figure 14.6: The Ubi Rebus
Figure 14.7: Enjoying ubi rebus and pengat ubi
Figure 15.1: A KENMS member presenting the project progress at Istidamah Colloquium
IIUM
Figure 15.2: Program book of SEAVAGE 2019 (9-11 July 2019)
Figure 15.3: Suhaimi with Prof Joao Carlos da Silva Dias, a keynote speaker at Southeast
Asia Vegetable Symposium (SEAVAGE) from 9-11 July 2019
Figure 15.4: Abstract of the poster presentation
Figure 15.5: Actual poster presentation
Figure 15.6: Suhaimi with the poster during the symposium
Figure 16.1: Backyard vegetable plot at Desa Gemilang
Figure 16.2: A vegetable plot at Desa Gemilang
Figure 16.3: Backyard between Jalan DG 1/6 and Jalan DG 1/7, Desa Gemilang
Figure 16.4: Fruits from backyard vegetable gardens at Desa Gemilang
Figure 16.5: Vegetable and edible plots at the junction between Jalan DG 1/3 and Jalan DG 1
/4, Desa Gemilang
Figure 16.6: The use of house compound at the backyard between Jalan DG 1/6 and Jalan DG
1/5, Desa Gemilang
Figure 17.1: Seven dimensions in Sejahtera Academic Framework
Figure 17.2: Basmallah and relationships with Allah, humans and environment

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PREFACE

This Sejahtera Community Vegetable Gardens project applies
Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12, which is to achieve
prosperity, peace, and unity in the world through responsible
consumption and production.

A project of this scale even at the Kulliyyah (Faculty) level involves
multiple stakeholders from different sectors. The entities are
International Islamic University Malaysia (Host of RCE Greater
Gombak), the internal Kulliyah community, Persatuan Penduduk
Taman Desa Gemilang, a residents‟ association, and Consumer
Association of Penang (CAP).

CAP serves as a network partner of IIUM and RCE Greater Gombak
in consumerism advocacy, a training provider on urban agriculture,
while IIUM in return provides consultancy in terms of landscaping,
soil, fertilizer and green approach in growing vegetable garden for
IIUM Vegetable Gardens. This project was later adopted by
Persatuan Penduduk Taman Desa Gemilang for its residents.

IIUM through RCE Greater Gombak extends its expertise in urban
agriculture and sustainable consumption to help the residents maintain
and sustain their gardens. The Department of Agriculture, Malaysia
was also involved in overseeing the project as advisors.

The project also incorporates the Falsafah Pendidikan Kebangsaan
(PFK) or National Education Philosophy Malaysia, to create and
sustain a peaceful, unity and prosperous world, and is known as
sejahtera world. Sejahtera has a strong influence in Malaysia,
particularly, consumerism.

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FOREWORD

I commend the work undertaken by Department of Business
Administration through the Sejahtera Community Vegetable Gardens
project. The Department has aligned itself with the Sustainable
Development Goal No 12, that is responsible consumption and
production.

I was informed by the project leader, Dr. Dolhadi Zainudin, who is
the current Head of Department of Business Administration, that this
project was initiated by the previous Dean, Prof. Hassanuddin Abdul
Aziz, for knowledge transfer between IIUM and Consumer
Association of Penang, particularly the late Mr SM Idris, who
received an honorary doctorate from IIUM.

The knowledge transfer process has gone very well when the
Department managed to offer two elective courses namely MGT 2011
Sustainability: Business and Society and MKTG 4312 Responsible
Consumerism. Besides the curriculum development, the project has
initiated two vegetable gardens; one, within KENMS vicinity and the
other, as community engagement with Desa Gemilang community, a
three-kilometre neighbour of the University.

The project also has produced a number of publications through
edited academic book, poster presentation, conferences, and journal
publications. Our students also have benefitted from the project when
they are involved directly in creating, maintaining and sustaining
KENMS vegetable gardens.

Let‟s pray and work together to sustain the project in more creative
and innovative ways for our mutual benefit, including our interaction
with the green community. May Allah bless us all, the humans and
the participants among the plants and the natural envirnonment.

Gairuzazmi Mat Ghani, Ph.D.
Professor
Dean, Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences
IIUM

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CHAPTER 1

PROJECT OVERVIEW

This project has been recommended by the Department of Business
Administration, Kulliyyah of Economics and Management Sciences,
International Islamic University Malaysia to participate in the RCE
Award 2021. The Global RCE Service Centre is at the United
Nations University Institute for the Advanced Study of Sustainability
(UNU-IAS). This is the 10th annual RCE Awards.

The Secretariat of RCE Greater Gombak has called for nomination.
The nominated project should abide by the eligibility and criteria
below.

The projects and programmes must meet the following criteria:

1. Be a partnership between different RCE stakeholders (at least two
contributing stakeholder organizations working on the
project/programme). Engagement of stakeholders from different
sectors is encouraged (formal education, local government, private
sector, NGOs, etc.). Please make sure all stakeholder organisations
have given permission for their name to be attached to the project!

2. Have been completed between November 2020 and October 2021
or are in the final stages of implementation by October 2021.

3. Have not been a recognised project or programme in a previous
RCE Award Programme.

The project also must meet the following criteria:

1. Address one or several sustainability challenges in their region.
2. Link a regional sustainability challenge to a global challenge or
process.

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3. Contribute to formal, non-formal and/or informal learning and
educational processes for sustainable development.
4. Encourage community engagement and empowerment (if
applicable)
5. Engage multiple stakeholders within a defined coordination
structure.
6. Improve capacities of partners and stakeholders
7. Discuss any challenges faced during implementation and how they
were dealt with
8. Provide adequate references and links (if applicable)

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CHAPTER 2

PROJECT INFORMATION

There are two main organizations that participated in this project,
namely Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) and
Persatuan Penduduk Taman Desa Gemilang (PPTDG), Gombak,
Selangor, Malaysia.

Socioeconomic and environmental characteristics of the area
Taman Desa Gemilang residential area is populated by middle and
lower income groups of society. Given the density and nature of the
housing, business and industrial activities, there are naturally issues of
food supply, food production and post-consumption effects. However,
among these communities, there are members who are fully conscious
of the unsustainable impact and have started initiatives to mitigate the
issue of irresponsible consumption and food waste by making home
vegetable gardens and composting.

Description of sustainable development challenge(s) in the area
Commitment to sustain home vegetable gardens and responsible
consumption requires a certain level of Sustainable Development
(SD) awareness. Examples include the use of kitchen waste such as
turned fish waste into fish amino (fertilizer) instead of throwing into
drain, reuse of detergent bottles as vase or pot to grow vegetables like
Brazilian spinach, chilies, and tomatoes. More sharing among
neighbours socialising for vegetable farms. Healthy and fresh
vegetables. Saving 10-20% of money on vegetables. Involving
university students to experience home vegetable gardens, and then
applied at their homes.

Rationale
After realizing a lot of domestic waste ended at landfill in Kuala
Lumpur, the community leaders (Councillor, Chief of Village,
Residential Association Office Bearers, Surau committee and
Rukuntetangga office bearers) and IIUM community initiated an SDG

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project to reduce the waste by being responsible in consumption.
People started to learn about ecology management, appreciate wildlife
and forest in our surrounding. While saving some money for
vegetables, people can reduce kitchen waste, have reasons for
interaction among neighbours. Students can learn about the practical
neighbourhood life.

Objectives
To practice responsible consumption, people need to be careful in
their spending on grocery and responsible to manage kitchen waste.
The family economics and management teaches people on responsible
spending and consumption. Ecological knowledge teaches people to
learn about coexistence between people and other living things. The
sociology of neighbourhood reflected through vegetable farming
projects helps break the individualism of sub-urban life.
Activities and/or practices employed:
Managing home vegetable farm in backyard, making use of idle land
in neighbourhood, and kindling socialisation among neighbours at
backyard and idle lands for vegetable farming.
Size of academic audience:
150
Results:
10 community vegetable gardens, and 10 community projects created
and managed by students at their respective homes.
Funding:
No specific funding. People spend their own money.

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CHAPTER 3

A SEJAHTERA JOURNEY

A project of this scale involves multiple stakeholders from different
sectors. The entities involved are International Islamic University
Malaysia (Host of RCE Greater Gombak), Persatuan Penduduk
Taman Desa Gemilang (a residents‟ association), and Consumer
Association of Penang (CAP). CAP, as a network partner of IIUM
and RCE Greater Gombak in consumerism advocacy, provides
training on urban agriculture, while IIUM in return provides
consultancy in terms of landscaping, soil, fertilizer and green
approach in growing vegetable garden for IIUM Vegetable Garden.

This project was later adopted by Persatuan Penduduk Taman Desa
Gemilang for its residents. IIUM through RCE Greater Gombak lent
its expertise in urban agriculture and sustainable consumption to help
the residents maintain and sustain their gardens. The Department of
Agriculture was also involved in overseeing the project as advisors.

Historical background
Department of Business Administration, Kulliyyah of Economics and
Management Sciences, proposed to collaborate with Consumer
Association Penang (CAP) on sustainable development issues related
to consumerism. The discourse of consumerism is part of business
administration, particularly in the marketing discipline.

On 20 March 2019, Wednesday, the department led by Noor Hazilah
Abd Manaf (Prof Dr) (Head of Department) together with a few
members, Azura Omar (Dr), Nur Fariza (Dr), Nur Kamariah (Dr),
Wan Jamaliah (Dr), Muhammad Tahir Jan (Dr), Ridhwan Fontaine
(Dr), Suhaimi Mhd Sarif (Dr), Dolhadi Zainudin (Dr) had a meeting
with Hon. Rector Prof Emeritus Tan Sri Dato‟ Dzulkifli Abdul Razak
about the mission on the transfer of CAP‟s “khazanah” (treasure) to
IIUM.

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The meeting reemphasized a very clear objective, to manifest
fundamental duties of human as servants and vicegerents of Allah
(see Figure 3.1)

Human as Worship (Ibadah)

Vicegerent (Khalifah)
Servant (‘Abid)

Figure 3.1: Worship in human as servants and vicegerents of Allah

Both lecturers and students have common duties as servants (‘ibād al-
Rahmān), vicegerents (khulafā’ fī al-ard), and true believers (al-
mu’minūn). The ultimate goal is to worship Allah – that underlies the
Tawhidi orientation - by giving best service for the benefit of
mankind. According to Al-Faruqi (1992, p.5), humans must be made
to understand that they have to fulfil the duty of Divine trust (al
amānah) and obligatory duties (al farā’id).

Consumer Association of Penang has vast experience in giving best
service for mankind. The department desires to acquire knowledge
(‘īlm), experience (khibra) and wisdom (hikmah) from them. This
treasure of knowledge (‘īlm), experience (khibra) and wisdom
(hikmah) are very valuable. The treasure (khazanah) at CAP comprise
religious (al-diniyyah), rational (al-‘aqlaniyyah), and practical
religion (‘ilm al-mu’amālah). CAP integrates these elements with
God‟s guided knowledge („ilm al-shar’iyy), and human‟s intellectual
(„ilm al-‘aqliyyah). The ultimate aim of CAP is to bring optimum
benefit to human civilization and protection of human‟s well-being,
wellness and welfare.

The group believes that the cooperation between Kulliyyah of
Economics and Management Sciences (KENMS) at International
Islamic University Malaysia (IIUM) (one of the earliest faculties in
IIUM in 1983) and Consumer Association of Penang (CAP) could

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enhance the effort to produce balanced and harmonious humans who

advocate societal wellbeing. KENMS of IIUM is in the business of

producing balanced graduates with religious (al-diniyyah), rational
(al-‘aqlaniyyah), and human‟s intellectual („ilm al-‘aqliyyah).
However, there is lack of human‟s intellectual („ilm al-‘aqliyyah) due
to lack of experience (khibra) and wisdom (hikmah). In absence of

the cooperation between the two organizations. The activists who

graduated from KENMS, IIUM would be having inadequate of
practical religion (‘ilm al-mu’amālah). The figure below shows

separate contributions by each partner (see Figure 3.2).

KENMS IIUM Fundamental Graduates Activists
Knowledge

Consumer Practical Experience & Activists
Association Penang Knowledge Wisdom

Figure 3.2: Separate contributions of KENMS IIUM and CAP

On 21 March 2019, Thursday, the KENMS IIUM Business
Administration Department‟s delegates departed to Penang by ETS
train from Kuala Lumpur Sentral train station (see Figure 3.3). The
delegates were

Ahasanul Haque (Prof Dr)
Azura Omar (Dr)
Dolhadi Zainudin (Dr)
Muhammad Tahir Jan (Assoc Prof Dr)
Noor Hazilah Abdul Manaf (Prof Dr)
Nur Fariza Mustafa (Dr)
Ridhwan Fontian (Assoc Prof Dr)
Suhaimi Mhd Sarif (Assoc Prof Dr)

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Figure 3.3: ETS Ticket
All delegates arrived in the evening on 21 March 2019.

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CHAPTER 4

REFLECTIONS ON SEJAHTERA CONSUMERISM

In our reflection of the travel, travelling may be associated with
journey of life. Our life is a purposive journey and a journey with
expectations (al-ghoyah), obligatory duties (al farā’id), and roles (al
amānah). The journey in life has no U-turn from where we originated.
Our age is counting. We are not able to reverse back to our teenage
when we are already in our 40s. Life must go on. We ask for
forgiveness and repent for all the mistakes. That is the remedy in this
journey.

O Allah! Thou art my Lord; there is no god save Thee. Thou hast
created me and I am Thy servant, and I keep my covenant with Thee
and my pledge unto Thee as much as I have might. I seek refuge in
Thee from the evil of what I have wrought. I acknowledge Thy
blessings upon me and I admit my wrongdoing; so forgive me, for
none forgiveth wrongdoings but Thou.

This supplication acknowledges our natural disposition (fitrah) as
servant (‘abd) that is created (khalq) by Allah. The purpose of the
creation is to keep our covenant (‘aqd) and pledge (wa’d) within our
best or might (istato’ah). When men made mistakes, they should seek
refuge from evil (sharr) caused by other humans. In the meantime,
humans acknowledge the bounties (nikmat) given by Allah and admit
their wrongdoings (zanb). Humans should have faith that Allah will
forgive wrongdoings because He is the Most Forgiving.

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Any human is created by Allah with a purpose to worship Allah. By
default, human carries the reason of existence as covenant (‘ahd) and
contract as declared in the pledge (wa’d). The covenant („ahd) are
divided into two roles, namely servant (‘abd) and vicegerent
(khalifah). As for the pledge (wa’d) are divided into trust (amanah),
duties (fara’id) and expectations (ghoyah). Figure 4.1 summarizes
scope of roles and duties human.

Human

Covenant Pledge
(‘ahd) (wa’d)

Servant Vicegerent Trust Duties Expectations
(‘abd) (Khalifah) (Amānah) (Farā’id) (Ghoyah)

Figure 4.1: Scope of Roles and Duties of Human
Source:

Mohd Kamal Hassan. (2010). A return to the Qur’ānic paradigm of development and
integrated knowledge: The Ulū al-Albāb model. Intellectual Discourse, 18 (2), 183-210. &
Suhaimi Mhd Sarif & Yusof Ismail (2016). Mengurus Dasar & Strategi.Organisasi secara
Islam. Akademi Pengurusan YaPeim, Kuala Lumpur.

The journey is undertaken to worship Allah. We have to return to
Allah in our natural disposition (fitrah), in submitting to Allah fully
and wholeheartedly. This journey is not just purposive guided
knowledge („ilm al-shar’iyy), but a guided journey with the guidance
knowledge („ilm al-shar’iyy). With this perspective, there is no reason
for human to inflict self-harm or self-destruct when the journey is
guided with knowledge, roles, duties, to the destination to celebrate
victory (al-falah).
The journey is philosophically simple but full with difficulties and
challenges. While there is a guide and ammunition in the journey,
there are also distractions, enticements, and temptations to derail

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anyone from the guided journey. Being steadfast to the guidance is
very necessary to ensure a secure journey.

All human activities must be done within the scope of roles and
duties. Humans have heavy tasks as servants and vicegerents of Allah
in this world and in the Hereafter. However, the reality of human
world has been focused and struggled to gain benefits of worldly
economics, politics, technology, social, legal and environment by
traded off the eternal success (al-falah) in the Hereafter. Figure 4.2
illustrates the narrowed understanding of human about roles and
duties of human.

Servants

Vicegerents

World

Economics Environment
Politics Human

Technology Social
Legal

Figure 4.2: Narrowed understanding of human about roles and duties

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CHAPTER 5
SEJAHTERA CONSUMERISM WITH BASMALLAH

On 22 March 2019, Friday, 10am, the delegates arrived at Consumer
Association of Penang (CAP), nearby Penang State Masjid and was
welcomed by the President of CAP, Tuan Haji SM Idris and key exco
members at the association office. (Tuan Haji SM Idris passed away
on May 17, 2019 at Gleneagles Hospital. George Town, Penang).
The session was started with the introduction of CAP and the key
exco members. CAP also presented the establishment of CAP and its
achievement in consumerism.
The meeting was conducted with mutual consultation or shura
approach. Shura has key elements, which include leadership,
communication, mediating, and consultation. (see Fig. 5.1).

Figure 5.1: The discussion session with SM Idris (President of CAP)
The interactive session was held for two hours.
The main point raised by Mr S.M. Idris was about the obligation of
everyone in obeying the Commandment of Allah. He emphasised on

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the manifestation on the simple Qur‟anic verse “basmallah” [In the
name of Allah].

In the Name of Allah—the Most Compassionate, Most Merciful.
He relied upon the concept of “Basmallah” [In the name of Allah] as
the foundation in his activism. Everything is in the name of Allah.
Living by the name of Allah with the attributes of “Ar-Rahman” (the
Most Compassionate) and “Ar-Rahim” (the Most Merciful), he was
not upset by the challenges and difficulties that he faced.

The Attributes of Allah, for example Al Rahim (Merciful) provided
him the awanesss to work with anyone with common objective, which
is to bring mercy to all. According to him, anything that is harmful to
anyone becomes CAP‟s duty to remove it, thus being merciful to
humans and human civilisation.

Protection and preservation of human welfare, wellness and well-
being are the duty of all humans. This proection enables the
preservation of human existence. The five necessities that must be
safeguarded are faith (deen), life (nafs), intellect (aql), lineage (nasl)
and wealth (mal) (see Figure 5.2).

Figure 5.2: Basmallah within Maqasid al-Shariah

In short, SM Idris set the foundation of his activism with Tawhidic
paradigm and supported by Maqasid al-Shariah.

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CHAPTER 6
SEJAHTERA CONSUMERISM ADVOCACY
The session included a tour to the gallery of books and exhibition
materials and a site visit to urban vegetable garden at the backyard of
the association.
6.1 Consumerism Education
The delegates were brought to a mini gallery of consumerism
education. An officer of CAP showed the posters and exhibition
materials used by CAP in consumerism education (See Figure 6.1).

Figure 6.1: An officer of CAP showed the posters and exhibition
materials used by CAP in consumerism education

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The education officer of CAP reiterated the application of basmallah
as emphasised by the President of CAP in the consumerism education.
The posters and exhibition materials carried basmallah in the forms of
advocacy of healthy consumerism. The advocacy of healthy
consumerism is a call for people to protect their life. Protection of life
(hifz al-nafs) comes under necessities (daruriyat) of human
existence. Unhealthy food consumption and unhealthy lifestyle lead to
gallstone, diabetis, arthritis and others. This effort requires
persistency (muthabarah) and consistency (istiqamah). SM Idris
infused the effort with the spirit of basmallah. CAP develops
volunteers and carries out research to continue its advocacy efforts
(see Figure 6.2)

Intention Effort Persistency Consistency
(niat) (khiyar) (muthabarah) (istiqamah)

Advocacy Volunteers Research

Figure 6.2: The flow of consumerism education efforts at CAP with
the application of basmallah

6.2 Vegetable Garden
Vegetable garden utilises empty lands to be cultivated with
vegetables. People could enjoy healthy life through gardening
activities and consume fresh vegetables. Food waste from kitchen is
readily available for fertilizers. CAP‟s education officer who is
responsible for vegetable education showed the process of making
natural fertilizer through the use of earth worms. Figure 6.3 shows
the hands-on process of making natural fertilizers by the earth worms.

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Figure 6.3: Hands-on process to make fertilizer with earth worms
Another important task in vegetable garden is to instal practical and
natural watering technique. Figure 6.4 shows the natural watering
technique.

Figure 6.4: Practical technique for minimal watering system

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The officer also showed watering conserving technique at each plant
using reycled bottles. Figure 6.5 shows the use of recycled bottles as
watering technique.

Figure 6.5: The usage of recycled bottles in watering
The use of water has been calculated with the exposure of sunlight to
the vegetable garden area. More water is needed in the area with more
sunlight exposure.

Figure 6.6: Aligning sunlight exposure area with watering
requirement

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CAP starts work with basmallah [In the name of Allah], progresses

with basmallah, shares with basmallah, and enhances with basmallah.
Basmallah - In the name of Allah - means faith and obedience.
Obedience with faith lead to piety (taqwa) in the forms of fear and

hope. As for basmallah with human makes him recognize love and
care in the forms of peace (sakinah), affection (mawaddah) and mercy
(rahmah). The basmallah for other creatures or the environment
makes human recognize responsibility in the forms of trust (amānah),
duties (farā’id), and expectations (ghoyah). Figure 6.7 illustrates the
embedded components of roles, duties and tasks of human from

basmallah.

Allah Obedience Piety
(taqwa)

Basmallah Humans Love and Peace (sakinah)
Care Affection (mawaddah)
Mercy (rahmah)

Environment Trust (amānah)
Duties (farā’id)
Responsibility
Expectations (ghoyah)

Figure 6.7: Components of basmallah

6.3 Interactions of CAP officials
The delegates had a few hours of interactions with CAP officials. The
interaction has been regarded as knowledge transfer process. The
tranferers are the CAP officials and the transferees are the delegates
from KENMS IIUM. The intervention during the knowledge transfer
process was a huge amount of healthy calories consumption through
tea and local cookies made by CAP volunteers. CAP did not order
food for the guests from cafeteria but offered to CAP volunteers to
offer their food to guests.

27

KENMS IIUM delegates were seen busy asking questions, listening
to answers while consuming tea and cookies (see Figure 6.8).

Figure 6.8: Knowledge tranfer process with food intervention
Another half of the delegates were busy with note taking as part of
knowledge transfer process (see Figure 6.9).

Figure 6.9: Advanced Knowledge transfer process with food
intervention

28

The knowledge transfer process required tacit and explicit knowledge
transfer from the CAP senior officials and volunteers. Those who
were standing comprised CAP officials and volunteers who
intervened during the conversation of knowledge transfer for
clarification with fact and figures. Figure 6.10 shows the intensed
knowledge transfer process.

Figure 6.10: Intensed knowledge transfer process with intervention of
volunteers of CAP and delicious food

The delegates were impressed with CAP‟s „recyclable‟ approach used
for the urban vegetable garden at the association.
The delegates discovered a few areas that could be brought back to
the campus as „transfer of knowledge‟ to institute „change‟ in the
business discipline, namely, curriculum development, advocacy, and
the vegetable garden.
6.4 Photography moment
Some members took a photography moment in front of CAP‟s office.
Dolhadi used to live there during his doctoral studies at Universiti
Sains Malaysia (USM). He remembers very well the location of CAP
and CAP‟s activities. Figure 6.11 shows Dolhadi at the signage of
CAP.

29

Figure 6.11: Dolhadi was photographed photography at the Urban
Garden of CAP

Suhaimi also took the chance to have a photography moment in front
of CAP‟s office. He has no experience of living in Penang. However,
he used to attend conferences held in Penang. Figure 6.12 shows
Suhaimi at the signage of CAP office.

Figure 6.12: Suhaimi at the signage of CAP

30

6.5 Essence of knowledge transfer with basmallah
With basmallah reflection learnt from CAP, the delegates have
decided to pursue with “Change the World” project through
curriculum development, advocacy and vegetable garden. Ahasanul
Haque, Azura Omar and Nur Fariza were volunteered to pursue on
curriculum development by developing an elective course, namely
Sustainability: Society and Business.

Ridhwan Fontain, Muhammad Tahir Jan, and Dolhadi Zainudin were

assigned to a subcommittee on advocacy and education on

consumerism. The group managed to organize advocacy session

between CAP and IIUM. Suhaimi and Dolhadi formed a sub-
committee on the “change of the world” through vegetable garden.

Table 6.1 summarizes the tasks of each delegate from KENMS IIUM
to „transplant‟ the knowledge acquired from CAP officials.

Table 6.1: Delegates of KENMS IIUM with assigned tasks for
knowledge transplant at IIUM

Delegates Curriculum Advocacy Vegetable Garden
Ahasanul / /
Azura / /
Dolhadi /
Muhammd Tahir /
Nur Fariza /
Ridhwan /
Suhaimi

31

Figure 6.13 shows the essence of basmallah in knowledge transfer
between CAP officials and KENMS IIUM delegates.

Knowledge CAP officials Obedience KENMS IIUM
Transfer Allah delegates

Piety
(taqwa)

Basmallah Humans Love and Peace (sakinah)
Care Affection (mawaddah)
Mercy (rahmah)

Environment Trust (amānah)
Duties (farā’id)
Responsibility
Expectations (ghoyah)

Figure 6.13: Essence of basmallah in knowledge transfer

32

CHAPTER 7

SEJAHTERA CONSUMERISM ACTION

Sejahtera Consumerism Action for the community vegetable gardens
discussed with the Executive Director of Development IIUM, Y.Bhg.
Dato‟ Haji Wan Hilmi, to explore on the feasibility of creating
vegetable gardens on the campus as a start before encouraging the
nearby communities to replicate the activity.

The Business Department had a discussion with Y.Bhg. Dato‟ Haji
Wan Mohd Hilmi Wan Kamal (Executive Director of Development
IIUM) (to be addressed as Dato‟ Wan Hilmi throughout this book),
Associate Professor Landscape Architect (LAr) Dr Ramzi Mohd
Hussain (Director of Development IIUM) (to be called Dr Ramzi in
this book) and Associate Professor Dr. Zainal Abidin Sanusi
(Director, Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity IIUM) (to
be called Dr Zainal in this book) held on Tuesday 23/4/2019, 9.30am-
10.30am. The meeting agreed to allow the Department of Business
Administration, KENMS to use a suitable land at KENMS to
cultivate. The Development Division and Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd., the
private arm of IIUM‟s holding company provide technical advisory
and support.

A follow up meeting was held at the Department of Business
Administration KENMS. Assoc Prof Dr Zainal Abidin Sanusi,
Director of Sejahtera Centre for Sustainability and Humanity, and key
managers from Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd attended the meeting.

At Business Department level, it activated mutual cooperation
(ta’awun) with various agencies within the University to
operationalize the basmallah and mutual consent (shura) orientation.
Figure 7.1 illustrates the flow of mutual cooperation.

33

Mutual Basmallah Mutual Consent
(shura)
Cooperation
(ta’awun)

Get to know (ta’aruf) Obedience
Understanding (tafahum) Love & care
Protection (takaful) Responsibility

Figure 7.1: The flow of cooperation

7.1 Meeting at Department of Business Administration
A few days after the meeting with Dato‟ Wan Hilmi, Dr Ramzi and
Dr Zainal on Tuesday 23/4/2019, 9.30am-10.30am, the Department of
Business Administration held a follow-up meeting with Dr Zainal,
key members from Development Division IIUM and key members
from Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd. Figure 7.2 shows the atmosphere of the
meeting held at Department of Business Administration KENMS
IIUM.

Figure 7.2: Meeting at the Department of Business Administration

34

After the meeting, key members from Department of Business
Administration KENMS IIUM (Dolhadi and Suhaimi) took a moment
with Dr Zainal and Encik Sabri (an executive from Daya Bersih Sdn
Bhd). Figure 7.3 shows the photography moment.

Figure 7.3: Photography moment
7.2 Site Visit
Immediately after the meeting with the Department of Business
Administration KENMS IIUM, Dr Ramzi, Encik Sabri and two other
staff from Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd visited the site for the vegetable
garden. Figure 7.4 shows Dr Ramzi briefed Daya Bersih officers
about the site for the vegetable garden.

Figure 7.4: Briefing by Dr Ramzi

35

The department expressed its appreciation to Dr Zainal and Encik
Sabri for being very supportive in helping make the “Change the
World” through vegetable garden project a reality.
7.3 Site Clearance
After obtaining clearance from Development Division, and assistance
by Daya Bersih, Department of Business Administration converted
the designated area into a “Change the World” vegetable garden. Staff
from Daya Bersih cleared the site which also contained the stones.
Figure 7.5 shows the hard work of Daya Bersih staff to dig out stones
at the site.

Figure 7.5: Dig out stones
A few staff from Daya Bersih showed the practical and technical way
of preparing the site for vegetable garden. The first step was to take
out all the grass and wild plants from the site. Figure 7.6 shows the
process of removing grass and wild plants.

36

Figure 7.6: Removing grass and wild plants
The next step was to make border and plough the site to prepare for
vegetable planting. Figure 7.7 shows the ploughing process.

Figure 7.7: Ploughing process
In short, after any meeting, it has to be followed up by immediate
actions by key members and helpers.

37

CHAPTER 8
ENGAGING STUDENTS

The transfer of knowledge on vegetable gardens occurred in one of
the Strategic Management‟s Sections (classes) through various
decision-making techniques, namely brainstorming, Nominal Group
Technique, and consensus (Shura) meetings. The discussion enabled
the students to apply strategic management and decision science
knowledge. Figure 8.1 shows the knowledge transfer process with
students.

Figure 8.1: Off-the-Job Transfer of Knowledge to the Students
The second transfer of knowledge was through practice. All students
in strategic management attended the fieldwork of knowledge transfer
provided by the landscape specialists of IIUM Development Division
and Daya Bersih Sdn Bhd. Figure 8.2 shows the on-the-job transfer of
knowledge to the students.

38

Figure 8.2: On-the-Job Transfer of Knowledge to the students

The engagement session was lively when students applied their
knowledge in the classroom into the fieldwork. Figure 8.3 shows the
hands-on engagement with students at the vegetable garden.

Figure 8.3: Hands-on engagement with students at the vegetable
garden

A sequel to students‟ engagement at campus, the students managed to
replicate a few projects on responsible consumption at their parents‟
homes.

After a series of knowledge transfer programs and engagements,
students have submitted group projects to reflect consumerism
advocacy, sustainable development goals, and IIUM‟s aspiration.
There were 11 projects submitted by the students. Each project has a
title, key objective and key contribution.

Group 1 submitted project on education of consumers with the
objective to provide consumerism education to all consumers, with

39

specific group among teenagers, students and their family members.
Group 2 submitted a project on nutritious food consumption with the
objective to expose consumers between harmful and nutritious food.
Unlike Groups 1 and 2, Groups 3 and 4 were on digital consumption
related, namely Internet usage and cashless transactions. While
Internet is beneficial for education and economic transactions, both
groups aimed at giving consumerism education to the students and
teenagers.

Groups 5, 6, 10 and 11 were on individual consumers‟ choice of

responsible consumption when the groups nurtured responsible

consumption through reuse food containers, drinking plain water,

breakfast and halal diet. Group 7 submitted project on social bonding
with true friendship which can be enabler for Group 8‟s project on
crowd funding from recycling activities and Group 9‟s project on
homelessness. Table 8.1 summarizes students‟ projects.

Table 8.1: Students‟ Projects

Group Topic Key Objective Key Contribution
1
2 Education To provide Able to know between useful

3 consumers education for all and harmful to a group of
4
5 teenagers
6
Nutritious food To differentiate Able to provide knowledge

consumption junk food and about nutritious food

nutritious food consumption for a group of

consumption students

Internet usage To discipline in Able to use internet usage

internet usage

Cashless To practice At least 30% students to use

transactions cashless in cashless transactions

transactions

Reusable food To reduce usage At least 30% students to use

containers of plastic reusable food containers

containers

Plain water To encourage 80% in every class consumes

consumption more plain plain water

40

water

consumption

7 Friendship To establish 80% in every class makes

bonding with friends from different races

people from

different races

8 Crowd funding To raise fund 80% of classmates collect

from Recycling from selling of recycle items and sell them to

recycle items contribute to charity

9 Homelessness To give All classmates are given

awareness to awareness about homelessness

people the

feeling of being

homelessness

10 Breakfast To give All classmates are given

consumption awareness of awareness about breakfast

having breakfast consumption

11 Halal diet To make way of All classmates to subscribe

consumption life on halal diet halal diet consumption

consumption

All the eleven projects applied basmallah to activate mutual
cooperation (ta’awun) and mutual consent (shura). Figure 8.4 shows

the influence of basmallah to all the 11 projects.

Mutual Cooperation Basmallah Mutual Consent
(ta’awun) (shura)

Get to know (ta’aruf) Obedience
Understanding (tafahum) Love & care
Protection (takaful) Responsibility

Recycling Consumer Education

Responsible Lifestyle

Food Consumption

Figure 8.4: Influence of basmallah to all the 11 projects

41

CHAPTER 9
ENGAGING COMMUNITY

The Business Administration Department of the KENMS, IIUM
invited nearby community to learn about creating its own urban
vegetable growing. The interaction enables the department to
facilitate knowledge transfer and sharing on vegetable garden
between the gardening experts from IIUM and the community. Figure
9.1 depicts a community leader showed the practical way of home
gardening.

Figure 9.1: A community leader showed the practical way of home
gardening

Departmental members of the project also learnt from the community
on effective and practical way of maintaining the vegetable garden.
Figure 9.2 shows a project member learnt the practical way from the
community.

42

Figure 9.2: A project member learnt the practical way from the
community

The cooperation between KENMS IIUM and nearby community
members was extended to include technical aspects of vegetable
gardening. Figure 9.3 shows the hands-on technical aspects of
vegetable gardening.

Figure 9.3: Hands-on technical aspects of vegetable gardening
The project members from KENMS IIUM were also exposed to the
watering techniques. Watering an empty land was not the same as
watering a garden that is full with plants and vegetables. Figure 9.4
shows the project members from KENMS IIUM learnt watering
technique.

43

Figure 9.4: Project members from KENMS IIUM learnt watering
technique

As project manager, KENMS IIUM has invited community leaders
for knowledge sharing and transfer on vegetable gardening. Figure 9.5
shows local community leaders who participated in the knowledge
sharing and transfer on vegetable gardening.

Figure 9.5: Local community leaders participated in the knowledge
sharing and transfer on vegetable gardening

44

CHAPTER 10
CURRICULUM DEVELOPMENT

During the knowledge transfer session with CAP, the delegates from
KENMS IIUM had agreed to implement three major projects, namely,
curriculum development, consumerism advocacy, and vegetable
gardening. Table 10.1 summarizes the three major projects and
persons-in-charge.

Table 10.1: Three major projects and persons-in-charge among
KENMS IIUM members

Delegates Curriculum Advocacy Vegetable Garden
/
Ahasanul / /

Azura /

Dolhadi /

Muhammad Tahir /

Nur Fariza /

Ridhwan /

Suhaimi

Suhaimi and Dolhadi had executed vegetable garden projects with a
few members from KENMS. Likewise, Dolhadi, Muhammad Tahir
and Ridhwan had organized consumerism advocacy program.

10.1 MGT 2011 Sustainability: Society and Business
Ahasanul Haque, Azura Omar and Nur Fariza volunteered to pursue
on curriculum development by developing an elective course, namely
MGT 2011 Sustainability: Society and Business. Ahasanul Haque has
conducted the course with 16 students in Semester 1, 2020/2021.
Suhaimi has been assigned to teach the same course in Semester 2,
2020/2021 with 25 students.

45

This incorporates both consumerism education theory and practices.
In fact, this course offers a comprehensive introduction to developing
consumerism knowledge and practices to achieve sustainable goal for
society and business. The course has a few dimensions. Firstly, it
provides an introduction to sustainability. Then it defines the social,
human and economic dimensions of sustainability from an Islamic
perspective. Secondly, it focuses on achieving knowledge on specific
sustainability topics which go well beyond natural resource extraction
and use. They are linked to environmental indicators such as water
quality and ecosystem diversity, and social indicators such as human
health and economic growth. Finally, this course highlights
opportunities for the transition towards sustainable society and
business, a key element in achieving sustainable development.

At the end of the course, learners should be able to explain
(cognitively) on how the concept of sustainability applies at a local,
regional, national, and global level; to describe (affectively) historical
and current landmarks and models in sustainable development; to
describe basic ecological systems and how humans have an impact on
them; and to analyse the environmental, social, and economic
significance of natural resource extraction at a local, regional,
national, and global levels. See Figure 10.1.

46

Figure 10.1: Course outline of MGT 2011 Sustainability: Society and
Business

The course includes lectures on concepts and problem-based learning
by evaluating local cases and offering sustainable projects to address
consumerism issues.

The topics covered as introduction to sustainability with the roles of
business and society, a conceptual framework of sustainability in
terms of balancing ecology and economics, environmental ethics,
social development, principles of ecology, ecology and nature, issues
of environment, sustainable solutions, green economy and Islamic
sustainability principles.

47

The students have created blogs to advocate consumerism education
and sustainability. Table 10.2 lists some of the blogs created by
students.

Table 10.2 Student blogs

Bilu: https://bilu1619657.blogspot.com/
Eman: https://mgt2011-sustai.blogspot.com/?m=1
Farhan: https://farhanfliza25.blogspot.com/
Fatin: https://fatinnurafifah84.blogspot.com/
Hamim: https://hamimweek1.blogspot.com/2021/05/week-11-framework-for-
sustainable.html
Hamizah: https://hamizah0404.wixsite.com/website
Huraiyah: https://huraiyahnabilah.blogspot.com/
Khairunissa Marissa: https://khairunnisamarissa.blogspot.com/
Maryam Ma: https://myblogsusbs.blogspot.com/?m=1
Mostofa: https://mostofa107.blogspot.com/
M Khairul: https://ikhwan1613113.blogspot.com/
Nurul Widad: https://nurulwidad2021.blogspot.com/
Nurun Najihah: https://lunanajihah.blogspot.com/2021/05/week-11-maqasid-
shariah-sustainability.html
Rhiezan: https://rizanyo.blogspot.com/
Wedad: https://wedadmgt2011.blogspot.com/
Riska: https://riskamarsidi.blogspot.com/
Junde: https://sujunde0924.blogspot.com/
Tabassum: https://ilmaytabassum.blogspot.com/?m=1
Hafiz: https://hafiz4110.blogspot.com/
Masoud: https://masoudali15ll.wixsite.com/website
Aye Li: https://liaye123456.blogspot.com/
Fatin: https://fatinnurafifah84.blogspot.com/

Students were capable of created blogs to advocate consumerism and
sustainability. Figure 10.2 shows an example of blog created by the
students.

48

Source: https://bilu1619657.blogspot.com/
Figure 10.2: An example of blog created by students

Students also published their views about consumerism and
sustainability with news portals. Figure 10.3 shows examples of
letters to editors published by students.

Source: https://www.malaysiakini.com/letters/573442 https://www.nst.com.my/opinion/letters/2021/05/

691475/pandemic-affects-childrens-social-

development

Figure 10.3: Examples of letters to editors published by students

49

The students also published their projects in the YouTube. Figure
10.4 shows the projects and the YouTube links.

PLANTING TREES
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=iYMjyP1vW5I
PLASTIC DISPOSAL
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5iE_NX5ps28
SPRING CLEANING
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=FeV1Tk_QzCU
BIO FERTILIZER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=qpuD4nH67as
RECYCLED PAPER
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KvYbd_FBnok

Figure 10.4: The projects and the YouTube links

50