Bye, Bye Sunday morning market at Sg. Penchala

Today was our last time having a stall at Pasar Pagi Sg. Penchala.  It was the first place where we

started to sell our produce in September, 2010.  In the beginning, we only sell fresh produce and more on what was considered "sayur kampung".  It was my first experience at doing consumer direct sales to the masses.  In the beginning, many looked at us "sideways" and looked down on us.  After all, we were selling "sayur kampung" whilst they were selling items bought from "passer borong" - to them denoting that they were better off because they had money to buy the items from suppliers whereas our was planted from our farm in the "boonies".  It was challenging but I always felt that what we had to offer was good and competitive.  The farm has been an organic farm from day 1 so what we have offered has always been organic produce.
Through the years, I have learnt a lot but the one principle that I have always stuck to was "I do not sell what I don't or wouldn't want to eat".  This principle was the main guide to what I planted at the farm.  What I don't eat, I don't plant even if it was fashionable or the in-thing.  I harvest things in accordance to how I like them for consumption.  My prices was based on cost-recovery basis hence it was competitive to non-organic produce and at times, even cheaper.  My prices were not based on supply and demand and I was often questioned and sometime labelled stupid for not raising prices when everyone else was.  Then again, I do business in accordance to my principles and goals.  In this instance, it was to provide good, healthy food at competitive prices for the masses.  You can say it was my jihad.  I have always tried to practice my business in accordance to Islam: fair and just.
Our presence at the market has also provided me with the opportunity to meet with other and share as well as exchange knowledge from planting to caring for it to harvesting and on to how to consume
I have also learnt a lot about people being on the front-line of meeting customers.  One of the comments that stuck in my mind was a mother saying to her child: " Look, even the vegetable seller can speak English".  This was a reminder to me to never assume that a person has limited capabilities just from looking at them from a distance - it pays to get to know people as you never know what knowledge you can gain.  At the same time, it also reminded me that someone who looks humble doesn't mean that they have nothing to offer or that their academic education is lacking.  It is about choices on how you want to lead your life.
One question or should I say complaint I got is "How come your signs and notices are in English.  This is Malaysia, you should use Bahasa Malaysia".  The reason is simple, it is a language that most people understand and my customers are not only Malaysian but also people from other countries.  You could say that I have an international clientele.  By using English, I got more customers.
Now, our farm has produced more: from fresh produce covering food, vegetables and fish to processed products such as teas and EVCO.  I also do customised herbal mixture based on a customer's purpose.  The underlying principle is the raw materials are always from the farm so I can control and be assured that it is organic.  In this aspect, I do not compromise.
Although we will no longer be doing market at Sg. Penchala, we will be offering our produce and products at my home base in K.L.  With the easy access to communications for everyone, people can also order online or through whatsApp, for example and pick-up or delivery arranged.  A selection of our herbal products is also available at The Jasmin Foundation Homeopathy Clinic in Setiawangsa.  We will also continue to do events, especially those promoting green living.  Next year, we also plan to do more events at the far as well as offering specific classes based on what we do.  Does opting out of the Sg. Pencahala Sunday morning market mean that we will have less to do?  I don't think so.  I anticipate that our future will have lots of opportunities and activities that we will remain as busy as ever.
Thank you to all that have supported us at our stall in Sg. Penchala.  In shaa Allah, we will meet again.