THE Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board (MPIB), in partnership with i-CATS University College, will undertake research to repurpose pineapple waste into animal feed, fibre, and fertilizer as part of the state’s Waste to Wealth initiatives.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (M-FICORD), Datuk Seri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said that the research collaboration will commence in 2025 on 18 acres of land in Tambirat, Samarahan.
“My ministry will continue to encourage the adoption of circular economy concept
towards ensuring sustainability development in agriculture.
“I wish to inform that SALCRA is actively embarking on Waste to Wealth
initiative which aligns well with Post Covid-19 Development Strategy 2030 (PCDS 2030) in ensuring environmental sustainability.
“One of the key initiatives under this programme involves converting empty fruit bunches (EFB) into fibre mats known as eco-mats.
“These biodegradable eco-mats serve multiple purposes including mulching, acting as organic fertilizer, controlling soil erosion, retaining soil moisture and managing weeds,” he said.
He added that the eco-mat plant in Serian Palm Oil Mill has been operational since 2023 and has a daily production capacity of 2,000 pieces.
“SALCRA’s eco-mats are now available in the market with the price RM4.00 per piece,” he said in his ministerial winding up speech, Tuesday (Nov 19).
Furthermore, he said SALCRA is currently in the process of setting up the Solid Removal and Oil Recovery System (SRORS) under a Build, Operate, and Transfer (BOT) model.
“The system is designed to separate solid waste and to recover residual oil from palm oil mill effluent (POME) generated during the milling process, which would
otherwise be discharged as waste.”
