8 Feb 2026, Rh Dawi, Sibu
Rumah Dawi in Sibu, Sarawak has made history as the first longhouse community in Malaysia to launch the INTERHEART Community Garden, themed “Green Gardens, Stronger Hearts.” The initiative turns Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) into action at the community level.
At the launch, Cr Sempurai Ak Petrus Ngelai, Chairman of the Sibu Rural District Council (SRDC), said “This is the first project of its kind in Sibu and in Malaysia. By combining technology, expertise, and a focus on heart health, we are creating a systematic approach to agriculture that boosts productivity and well-being. We hope to expand it to other divisions.”
Dr Hj Mohd Rizal Osman, COO of Urbanice Malaysia, added “This is our first community engagement in longhouses, and we hope this model can be replicated elsewhere in Malaysia.”
The one-year pilot, initiated by Dr Rosalia Saimon and Dr Law Leh Shii from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences, UNIMAS, aims to reduce the nine INTERHEART risk factors for heart disease, including high blood pressure, high cholesterol, diabetes, smoking, obesity, poor diet, physical inactivity, stress, and alcohol consumption.
This project will cover 2 hectares of land with 40 participants. Participants will grow fruits, vegetables, and rear fish while learning sustainable farming practices, including composting with black soldier fly larvae, rainwater harvesting, and climate-resilient crops. They will also receive nutrition education and six-monthly cardiovascular screenings to promote heart health.
The launch featured site visits, focus group discussions, heart screenings, nutrition education, dental care, and interactive exhibitions. At the closing, Cr Kevin Lau, Chairman of the Standing Committee on Environment and Public Health (SRDC), encouraged the community to participate actively for better heart health and food security.
With strong support from community leader Tuai Dawi anak Ringgil and collaborating agencies – including SRDC, the Sibu Health Office, the Agriculture Department, M-FICORD, dental clinics, and 38 UNIMAS medical students – this initiative demonstrates how longhouse communities can promote heart health, food security, and sustainability, while contributing to SDGs 1 (No Poverty), 3 (Good Health and Well-being), 11 (Sustainable Communities), and 17 (Partnerships for the Goals).
Also present were Dr Min Wai Han (Health Clinic Jalan Oya), Dr Nazifa Azhani binti Umar (Dental Clinic, Lanang), Dr Aren Sinedeh Lemin (DHO Sibu), Cik Nur Ayuni binti Udin (Nutrition Unit), Mr Jee Wei Ren (Agriculture Department), Mdm Faiznur binti Yusuf (M-FICORD), Cr Jeksen anak Chuban (SRDC), and Mdm Inya (SMC). Special thanks to the 38 UNIMAS medical students and Biro Wanita Rh Dawi for their invaluable contribution in making the launching event a success.
This project also invites Universities, NGOs, private sector partners, and other agencies to support our initiative. For collaboration, please contact Dr Rosalia Saimon at 019-8138771.
