Unimas empowers Muara Tebas residents to boost income through eco-enzyme production

KUCHING (Oct 26): Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) has successfully united residents of Kampung Muara Tebas in efforts to improve their household income through the production of environmentally friendly products under the ‘UniMadani EcoEnzyme @ Muara Tebas’ programme.

Organised by the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology, the project was implemented under the Finance Ministry’s 2025 Public University Community Empowerment Programme (Komuniti @ UniMadani).

Through this initiative, Unimas experts conducted on-site demonstrations on the production of eco-enzymes, natural solutions that can be used as fertilisers, deodorisers, and multipurpose cleaners for toilets, floors, and kitchen areas.

Project lead researcher Dayang Norafizan Awang Chee said the initiative aims to raise public awareness of environmental pollution caused by synthetic chemicals, which can be replaced with natural, eco-friendly alternatives.

“This programme not only educates the community on sustainable kitchen waste management but also creates opportunities for residents to turn eco-enzyme production into a community-based enterprise with income-generating potential,” she said in a Unimas press statement.

She noted that Malaysians generate at least 37,890 metric tonnes of waste daily, mostly food waste — materials that can be innovatively transformed into eco-enzyme products through proper techniques and processes.

“Eco-enzyme products can be sold for between RM5 and RM15 per bottle, depending on type and size, offering communities a sustainable way to utilise organic waste,” she added.

About 80 participants, mostly housewives, took part in the programme, which featured demonstrations, sharing sessions on the benefits of eco-enzymes, and ‘gotong-royong’ (work party) activities.

Participant Norlia Sapek said she was excited to learn something simple yet profitable.

“I never thought fruit peels that we usually throw away could be turned into natural cleaners and fertilisers. It’s easy to make and saves money. After this, I plan to make my own and promote it on TikTok.”

The UniMadani EcoEnzyme @ Muara Tebas initiative reflects Unimas’ commitment to strengthening community engagement while supporting the aspirations of Malaysia Madani and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly in promoting environmental sustainability and rural social wellbeing.