UNIMAS Helps Village Community Produce Green Products Through EcoEnzyme Programme

KUCHING, Oct 25 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through its Faculty of Science and Resource Technology, successfully brought together residents of Kampung Muara Tebas here to generate side income based on environmentally friendly products with the implementation of the UNIMADANI EcoEnzyme@Muara Tebas Programme.

The initiative is carried out under the Finance Ministry’s 2025 Public University Community Empowerment Programme (Komuniti@UniMADANI, providing an opportunity for UNIMAS experts to go to the field to share knowledge in the production of eco-enzymes.

The eco-enzyme products can be used as natural fertilisers, deodorisers and multipurpose cleaners for toilets, floors and kitchen areas.

The project's lead researcher, Dr Dayang Norafizan Awang Chee, said the initiative aims to raise public awareness of environmental pollution caused by the use of synthetic chemicals that can be replaced with natural materials such as eco-enzymes.

"This programme not only educates the community on how to manage kitchen waste sustainably, but also opens up opportunities for residents to make the production of eco-enzymes a community product that has the potential to generate additional income," she said in a statement today.

Dayang Norafizan said Malaysians produce at least 37,890 metric tonnes of food waste every day, which could be innovated into natural cleaners, liquid fertilisers and organic deodorisers with the right fermentation techniques.

About 80 participants, mostly housewives, took part in a workshop held under the programme, which featured a demonstration on eco-enzyme making, sharing sessions on its benefits, and gotong-royong activities.

Participants also gained insights into packaging, labelling, and product marketing strategies through social media platforms.

One of the participants, Norlia Sapek, said she was thrilled to have the opportunity to learn an easy way to earn extra income.

“I never thought that fruit peels that are usually thrown away could be turned into natural cleaners and fertilisers. It is easy to make and cost-effective. From now on, I plan to produce my own and promote it on TikTok,” she said.

Another participant, Habibah Lee, also hoped that such workshops would continue because they provide great benefits to housewives.

The technique and process are easy to understand and can be applied directly at home. Many of my friends have shown interest after I shared my experience with them,” she said.

According to Dayang Norafizan, the research team’s survey found that eco-enzyme products have the potential to be sold at prices ranging from RM5 to RM15 per bottle, depending on the type and size.

This, she said, could help the community generate additional income.

She added that the project reflects UNIMAS’ commitment to strengthening its relationship with the community while supporting the aspirations of Malaysia MADANI and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting environmental sustainability and improving rural social well-being.

-- BERNAMA