SABAK BERNAM, July 19 — Dismissing the scepticism often directed at young women entering the agricultural sector, Nurshafiqah Rosdin has proven that farming can be both rewarding and financially sustainable.
Despite being told that agriculture was unsuitable for women, offered little job security, and limited prospects for growth, the 30-year-old refused to let such remarks discourage her.
Her passion for agriculture was deeply rooted from an early age, inspired by her father Rosdin Napiah, who owns a pineapple farm in Sabak Bernam. Nurshafiqah herself graduated with a diploma in plantation management and had always been fascinated by crops, frequently accompanying and assisting her father at the farm throughout her school years.
However, she did not immediately pursue a career in agriculture. After completing her diploma in 2017, she joined a private company in Shah Alam while simultaneously pursuing a part-time bachelor's degree in business at Universiti Teknologi MARA.
Nurshafiqah’s life took an unexpected turn at the end of 2022 when she was diagnosed with bone cancer, a life-changing experience that ultimately opened the door to a new chapter.
"I was truly devastated at first. At that time, I was working while continuing my studies. My right arm started to hurt and swell, and after undergoing an MRI scan and a biopsy, I was diagnosed with bone cancer.
"After undergoing treatment and physiotherapy for about a year, I began thinking about what I could do to get back on my feet because I had already quit my job by then," she told Media Selangor.
During her recovery, Nurshafiqah spent much of her time at her father's pineapple farm in Sabak Bernam.
Observing the growing number of inquiries her father received from people interested in pineapple cultivation, she saw an opportunity to share their knowledge with a wider audience.
"I noticed many people contacting my father to ask about pineapples. So I thought, why don't we share the knowledge and experience that we have with the public.
"From there, I started producing content related to agriculture and the pineapple industry on TikTok and several other social media platforms," Nurshafiqah said.
The strategy quickly paid off. Within just a year, the company's social media accounts amassed more than 260,000 followers, attracting audiences not only from Malaysia but also from Vietnam, Taiwan, Singapore, and Brunei.
Many have even travelled to the farm to learn more about pineapple cultivation and purchase its produce. Since taking a more active role in the business in 2024, Nurshafiqah has demonstrated that agriculture offers promising opportunities when approached with discipline, professionalism, and dedication.
Expanding the family business
Today, she oversees nearly every aspect of the business, including marketing and brand development for PakDin Nanas, while her father serves as an adviser and supervises farm operations.
Under Nurshafiqah’s management, the family's pineapple plantation has expanded from just three acres to 13 acres. The farm now cultivates several pineapple varieties, including MD2, MS16, Yankee, Tainong, Josephine, and SG1.
The expansion has delivered encouraging results, with direct farm sales exceeding RM55,000 during each harvest season.
"I want to prove that agriculture is not an outdated industry. If it is managed professionally and promoted well, it can generate substantial income.
“Do not be ashamed of becoming a farmer even if you are still young. What matters is discipline, doing your best and never giving up," she said.
Looking ahead, Nurshafiqah hopes to grow the plantation to 100 acres over the next few years while transforming it into an agrotourism destination.
"I want to make this place somewhere people can come to learn about pineapples, enjoy the produce, and perhaps even have its own café one day," she said.
For Rosdin Napiah, 58, watching his daughter take over the family business has been a blessing despite the difficult journey they endured.
Although the family struggled emotionally and financially following Nurshafiqah's cancer diagnosis, he believes bringing her back to the farm played a crucial role in helping her recover.
"We were truly sad and worried. To prevent her from becoming depressed, I brought her back to the farm. Cancer patients cannot be left feeling depressed. Instead, we have to encourage them and keep them happy," he said.
Today, Rosdin is grateful that returning to the land his daughter had loved since childhood not only restored her confidence and happiness but also transformed the family business into one that now reaches customers beyond Malaysia.
