SHAH ALAM, Sept 7 — Life can sometimes change in the blink of an eye. That was the experience of Muhammad Syahril Hasni, 45, when his career as a football physiotherapist ended after the club he served shut down.
From the cheers of stadiums and the green pitch that once defined his world, the father of two has now shifted to a small orchard in Jeram, Kuala Selangor. There, hundreds of fig trees grow healthily, bearing witness to a new chapter in his life.
It all began with a suggestion from a friend.
“At the time, I had just left my job, and I did not know what to do. My friend suggested I try planting figs, since their market price is quite high and they are full of benefits.
“When I learnt that figs are mentioned in the Qu'ran, I believed there must be wisdom behind it, and that gave me the strength to try,” he said.
The first plant Syahril bought in 2017 was not cheap — a small sapling, two feet tall, cost RM380, and it was only a common variety.
Yet driven by hope, he invested nearly RM8,000 to buy his first 15 trees. At first, the plants were placed on his home balcony.
Over time, the number grew to 60. Four years later, Syahril rented a 3,500-square-foot plot in Jeram, opening the door to new opportunities for himself and his family.
Challenges and sacrifices
Growing figs in Malaysia is not as easy as it seems, as the humid and rainy climate often causes leaves to rust or be infected by fungus.
“When the leaves are healthy, photosynthesis works well. That is what makes the fruit sweeter and bigger.
“In other words, the healthier the leaves, the better the fruit quality. Having a rain shelter really helps,” he said.
To achieve the best results, Syahril experimented with soil mixes, irrigation systems, and fertilisation methods.
His orchard now uses a fully automated fertigation system with timers, alongside weekly applications of organic foliar sprays.
“If you use chemical pesticides, you have to wait 14 days before harvesting. So I developed a product based on Thai technology.
"Even if sprayed, the fruit is safe to eat,” Syahril said.
Few realise that fig trees are among the most fertiliser-hungry crops. They demand daily care, almost as if training him to regain the discipline of his former career.
From the balcony to hundreds of trees
Today, Syahril's orchard has more than 150 trees with nearly 80 different varieties. Among them are Panino dell’Abate, Bass Favourite Fig, Cdd Mutante, and Murse — names rarely seen in Malaysia.
Still, the harvest remains insufficient.
“Figs do not fruit all at once. Some days, I only get two or three from each tree.
“At most, maybe two or three kilos a day. Usually they sell out quickly, just within my neighbourhood,” he said.
In addition to selling fresh figs, Syahril also offers saplings from RM50, as well as fertiliser, seeds, and pest control products.
He markets them via Facebook, Shopee, and TikTok under the brand Sadofit Garden. Sometimes his sales reach RM2,000 a day, especially during TikTok live sessions.
Big ambitions
Recognising the health benefits of figs and their consistent demand, Syahril harbours big hopes.
“I want every household to have at least one fig tree. If it is difficult to buy fresh fruit since it spoils quickly, then let people grow their own. Fresher, healthier,” he said.
Syahril’s journey from the football pitch to a fig orchard is more than just a story of earning a livelihood.
It is about spreading the benefits of this sacred fruit, channelling blessings, and proving that every trial in life opens the door to new opportunities.
