@Halal R&R - Rest & Rehlah September/October 2025 | Page 25

Fields of Life
September-October. 2025
MFAR: Tourism Products 25

Fields of Life

Desa Gemalai blends agrotourism with sustainable farming, cultural heritage, and community spirit

Desa Gemalai is a captivating agro-ecotourism destination developed by Yusri Maju Sdn Bhd. Spanning 8.49 hectares, it stands out as an organic rice field completely free from pesticides and chemical fertilisers, offering visitors a pristine and natural environment.

The area is celebrated for its commitment to sustainable farming, making it a charming retreat for those seeking a closer connection with nature.
Upon arrival, visitors are greeted by an enchanting landscape that goes beyond lush rice fields. The site also features fish ponds, chicken and duck coops, and a water reservoir that sustains the paddy fields.
Adding to its appeal, Desa Gemalai includes a cosy cafe that provides a relaxed setting for guests to unwind, ensuring that each visit is both memorable and enriching.
Founder Mohd Yusri Muhammad
Therapeutic view.
Nor shared that Desa Gemalai, now two years old and in its fifth planting season, was born from the company ' s desire to protect the environment and promote healthier living.
Initially, he noticed a piece of idle paddy land beside his home and decided to lease it. In the first season, he worked on about 10 acres, gradually adjusting the area until it reached its current size.
" The name ' Desa Gemalai ' was coined by singer Datuk Ramli Sarip during a harvesting event in the second season, inspired by one of his songs and reflecting the area ' s unique identity," said Yusri.
" Unlike conventional or even organic farming, Desa Gemalai practises natural rice cultivation, meaning the crops grow purely from the land ' s own resources, supported only by water, sunlight, and human effort, with absolutely no chemical fertilisers or pesticides.
" The land itself is original paddy soil that had previously been farmed using conventional methods, often with heavy chemical inputs."
Concerned about the health risks, especially to children living nearby, Yusri wanted a cleaner, more sustainable approach.
Desa Gemalai now integrates seven key elements, including diverse crop planting, and has gained support from the government, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to develop as an agrotourism destination. Yusri sees this as filling a gap in Kelantan, where nature-based, chemical-free agrotourism experiences are still rare.
Desa Gemalai also features the Therapy and Healing Centre, where visitors can enjoy traditional massages, herbal sauna spas, and other therapeutic treatments, all set against the calming backdrop of paddy fields. This tranquil setting supports a healing process that nurtures both mental and spiritual wellbeing. – RnR
Desa Gemalai now integrates seven key elements, including diverse crop planting, and has gained support from the government, especially the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, to develop as an agrotourism destination.
SEVEN ELEMENTS AT DESA GEMALAI
• Natural paddy cultivation: Visitors can witness traditional, heritage rice planting methods that have been passed down through generations, especially during the planting season.
• Diversified crops: Cultivation of secondary crops such as vegetables, papayas, and more, all grown naturally without chemicals.
• Ecosystem restoration: Reviving the natural habitat, allowing native fish species like haruan, puyu, and belut to return and thrive without artificial intervention.
• Recreational activities: Offering jogging, cycling, ATV rides, barefoot walks, tug-of-war in paddy fields, and traditional fishing, all designed to preserve cultural traditions.
• Cultural performances: Providing a small stage for traditional and Islamic-themed arts such as wayang kulit, nasyid, buskers, and local performances.
• Natural products: Producing and selling chemical-free, locally sourced products, such as herbal body powder and nasi impit, and open to contributions from the local community.
• Education and research: Collaborating with universities on R & D projects, creating a " living lab " and nature library for hands-on learning in sustainable farming and ecology.
Desa Gemalai blends tradition and sustainability.
Prime Minister Anwar Ibrahim visits Desa Gemalai.
Scan Me
Mohd Yusri( left) hosting the delegates during Prime Minister ' s visit.
HIGHLIGHT
On 9 August 2025, Prime Minister Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim visited Desa Gemalai. Accompanied by Kelantan Menteri Besar Datuk Mohd Nassuruddin Daud and KADA Chairman Khalid Abdul Samad, he received a project briefing, officiated at the launch, and toured the organic paddy fields. The visit highlighted traditional farming integrated with solar-powered irrigation and modern technology, now in its fifth planting season.
View of the paddy fields.