Shahrizal Denci

In a country that still relies heavily on imported onions and where rural farmers are often left out of higher-value opportunities, Bantu Tani Sdn Bhd is working to rewrite the story of local agriculture from the highlands of Kundasang, Sabah. At the heart of this effort is its Director and Co-founder, Shahrizal Denci, who brings more than a decade of experience in the agriculture sector to one of Malaysia’s first serious attempts at growing onions at scale locally, reducing dependence on imports while putting smallholder farmers at the centre of food security.

Through Bantu Tani, Shahrizal works with rural communities and youth to cultivate onions and develop local seed production, helping farmers increase yields, secure better incomes, and access hands-on training in modern farming. The enterprise not only strengthens Sabah’s contribution to Malaysia’s food security, but also creates meaningful employment and learning opportunities for young people in agriculture.
Passionate about turning agriculture into a driver of social impact, he continues to champion community-driven solutions and advocate for a food system where “waste” becomes opportunity and rural communities become key players in building a more resilient Malaysia.