Researchers from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) have successfully completed a knowledge and technology transfer programme that has helped to produce a liquid fertilizer and compost, a fertilizer created from decayed organic material.

The use of the products in farming will create business opportunities for its graduates as well as the local communities.

The programme called Green Technology Knowledge Transfer to the Community also received fund from the Canadian Embassay as part of the embassy’s effort in providing support towards green technology and the handling of global climate change.

UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor for Research and Innovation Professor Dr Mazlan Abd. Ghaffar in his speech during the officiating ceremony said that the programme which involved many agencies received 5-star rating.

He said that the UMT students received special training to become Green Herbal ambassadors and were closely monitored by participating UMT researchers to ensure the success of the knowledge transfer

He also said that the project received 5-star rating for its success in involving everyone in the community. The school pupils who had successfully implemented the project began teaching their parents and promoting the project to other nearby schools. For example, the pupils at SK Tanjung Gelam managed to convert 130 kilogram of food waste into 10 liters of liquid fertilizer and 70 kilograms of compost.

“This is a remarkable achievement, and this effort can reduce environmental pollution caused by waste,” he said.

Also present during the officiating ceremony were Canadian Ambassador Julia Bentley and PEWANGI Malaysia president Datin Nik Faridah Salleh.

Professor Dr Mazlan said that UMT is synonym with knowledge transfer projects that aim to help local communities improve their quality of life.

He expressed hope that more students would volunteer as green ambassadors to promote green technology.

Among the agencies involved in the income-generating programme were SK Gong Badak, SK Tanjong Gellam, SMK Manir, SMK Rusila, SMK Mengabang Telipot, and 15 Neighborhood Watch zones.

Published by:

Corporate Communication Centre

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu