KUCHING: The Sago Liquid Waste Treatment Integrated Pioneer Plant project in Mukah aims to become a model of example for sago manufacturers to ensure the sustainability of the sago industry in Sarawak, said Craun Research Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Zaidell Husaini.
He said at the same time, it is hoped that the sago industry can be developed towards producing zero sago waste through the project.
“Sago is one of the major agricultural commodities contributing to Sarawak’s revenue. As a leading producer of sago in Malaysia, Sarawak exports sago starch products worth between RM80 million and RM90 million annually.
Zaidell (second right) exchanges the MoA with Ng, witnessed by Abang Johari (centre), Manyin (left) and Kameri. – Photo by Tan Song Wei
“However despite this important contribution, the problem of environmental pollution that occurs as a result of sago starch processing activities has given a negative image and impact to the sago industry,” he said at the Memorandum of Agreement (MoA) signing ceremony between Craun Research and Knowledge Integration Services (Singapore) Pte Ltd and Nitsei Sago Industries Sdn Bhd, held at a hotel here yesterday.
To address this issue, Zaidell said Craun Research has been entrusted by the state and federal governments to develop the Sago Liquid Waste Treatment Integrated Pioneer Plant as an integrated solution to address environmental pollution caused by sago waste.
“The project, which is located at Kampung Tabo in Mukah, has started operation in May last year. This pilot plant is the first of its kind in Malaysia and also the first among countries around the world which produce sago starch,” he said.
Zaidell said biogas generated by this pilot plant will be refined and subsequently distributed as a source of green, sustainable and cheaper cooking gas alternative to rural communities compared to liquefied petroleum gas (LPG) commercial gas.
He said for a start, the gas will be distributed to rural communities particularly residents of Kampung Tabo and Kampung Teh in Mukah.
He also said the project aims to find an integrated solution to the environmental pollution issues affected by the sago industry and at the same time be able to add value to the sago waste that was previously thrown away.
“We have started research on this sago waste since 2003 to ensure that this industry will continue to be sustainable in terms of environmental, economic and social aspects as well as contribute to the wellbeing and living standards of the rural population,” he added.
Zaidell later signed the MoA on behalf of Craun Research in a ceremony witnessed by Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Abang Johari Tun Openg.
Signing on behalf of Knowledge Integration Services (Singapore) and Nitsei Sago Industries were their representatives Dino Bidari and Ng Yong Kiang, respectively.
Also present were Education, Science and Technological Research Minister Datuk Amar Michael Manyin; Welfare, Community Wellbeing, Women, Family and Childhood Development Minister Dato Sri Fatimah Abdullah; Assistant Minister of Education, Science and Technological Research Dr Annuar Rapaee; and Craun Research Board of Directors chairman Kameri Affandi, who is also Ministry of Education, Science and Technological Research permanent secretary.