langkawi magazine
Nature SECTION
Number One Orchid Supplier
It is not too far-fetched to say all the orchids decorating the hotels and public places in Langkawi come from a small farm just outside Kuah.
For years, the 1.2ha farm's 40,000 orchid plants were the source of potted plants, cuttings and orchid flowers for the island's 16 leading hotels as well as most of the offices and florists.
In fact, demand is so good for Mohd Rafie Din's orchids that he has trouble keeping up with orders.
"It was not easy then and it is certainly very challenging and rewarding now," said the 62-year-old former foodstall operator.
He started dabbling in growing orchids when a developer offered him RM60,000 to vacate his foodstall in Tanjung Rhu 14 years ago.
He decided to start an orchid farm on a small plot of land because he saw a demand for the flower which has become synonymous with Malaysia.
From that humble beginnings, Rafie is now the undisputed number one orchid supplier in Langkawi.
He and his two assistants could be seen daily at the farm tending to orchids of cattleyea, dendrobium, mokara and aranthera species.
Every few days, he would load his van with orchids, most of which are of the cattleyea and dendrobium varieties and deliver them to hotels, offices and florists.
He said the two varieties, although regarded as "common", were the most sought-after by hotels.
"They are colourful, have a unique scent and most of all, very hardy. I am proud to say that most orchids found in the hotels are from my farm."
Soon, Rafie would expand his farm to make room for some 20,000 more orchid plants.
His successful venture has not gone unnoticed by the State Government.
Recently, Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Syed Razak Syed Zain announced efforts to include Rafie's farm as a tourist attraction.
Rafie reminded young Malaysians that there is gold in agriculture.
"I heard that there are many graduates who are still unemployed. They should support Prime Minister Datuk Seri Abdullah Ahmad Badawi's call to explore new opportunities in the agricultural sector."
Alor Setar 22/02/2005
