MUKAH: The advantage of sago palm products need to be studied more deeply as has a great potential to be introduced at wider market.
Deputy Minister of Economy, Datuk Hanifah Hajar Taib cited sago products not only available as food-based but can also be transformed for daily use.
“For example, sago waste can be used for biogas production. There are many other things that we can produce from what is left unused and discarded, especially in creating something productive,” she said.
She made these remarks when interviewed by reporters after a visit to Craun Research Mukah, in Kampung Teh, here yesterday.
Hanifah, who is also the Member of Parliament for Mukah, acknowledged that sago waste could become something highly needed considering its benefits to the local population.
She explained that processed sago waste into biogas can be used by villagers for cooking.
Biogas is an environmentally-friendly, renewable energy source produced by the breakdown of organics such as food and animal waste.
“In addition to biogas, the sago palm is also one of the materials used to produce ‘batik linut’ and it has many potential.
“Discussions are also being held to explore more benefits of the sago palm as our needs are increasing over time.
Therefore, she hopes that areas with sago palms will produce more waste to support this food and waste processes and that it would be carried out smoothly.
Meanwhile, Hanifah added that two villages near the plant will receive free connection services as it is still in the process of being improved, along with ongoing research and development (R&D).
