Abstract This study aims to evaluate the effect of Fermented Rice After-wash Water (FRAW) on chilli growth and to isolate microorganism present in three brands of white rice FRAW. The study showed that FRAW treatment was comparable with NPK fertiliser. In addition, a number of plant growth-promoting microbes associated with FRAW were also isolated. Isolated bacteria and fungi were then characterised according to their morphology and biochemical analysis. Thus the positive effect of FRAW on the chilli was likely due to the plant growth promoting microorganism present in FRAW.