Muhammad Faiz (centre) visits the solar dryer dome in Kampung Buntal where the shrimp paste is being dried. – Photo by Roystein Emmor
KUCHING (Oct 26): The conventional, long drying process of ‘belacan’ or shrimp paste is now made easier with the use of a solar dryer dome.
The solar dryer dome is the first of its kind built by the Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) Sarawak, in a joint initiative with the Buntal Fishermen Association (PNK Buntal).
LKIM in a statement said one of the advantages of this solar dryer dome is its ability to dry shrimp paste in just two to three days, compared to the conventional method which usually takes seven days.
“The solar dryer dome also ensures that the shrimp paste is protected from UV radiation, also resulting in more effective drying.
“PNK Buntal’s product processing centre receives the ‘geragau’ shrimp from the local fishermen as they face difficulties in selling their catch,” it said, adding that the facility has helped reduce the fishermen’s losses caused by the spoilage of sea products.
LKIM chairman Muhammad Faiz Fadzil, meanwhile, lauded PNK Buntal for its initiative in diversifying the use of the solar dryer dome to boost their economy.
“We have a total of 91 PNKs, and our goal is to turn projects like these, which are run by the associations themselves, into a nationwide model.
“We would also want all the PNKs to be active, not solely relying on day-to-day operations like selling oil, ice, or fish,” he said.
“The fishery products can be processed and diversified to generate extra income and these fishermen ought to explore the aquaculture industry through their established associations,” he said, while citing the aquaculture shrimp farming project, another initiative by the PNK Telaga Air.
Muhammad Faiz said this to reporters after launching the Rahmah Mesra Madani at PNK Buntal here yesterday.
At the same event, 75 fishermen from Kampung Buntal each received a 100-litre insulation box and safety jacket, altogether worth RM30,000 from LKIM under the Fishermen Assistance Touch Point Programme.
LKIM also presented outboard motor engines, drift nets and insulation boxes worth RM25,000 to two fishermen under the B40 Fishermen Productivity Enhancement Assistance Programme.
“This assistance is a motivation for fishermen to continue their fishing activities at sea, to ensure that the government’s agenda for food security is effectively implemented,” he said.