KUALA NERUS, 15 July 2024 – An innovative product created by a researcher from Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Rapid Biofloc, will be extensively used after the university, through its subsidiary company UMT Jaya Holdings Sdn Bhd, signed a memorandum of understanding with the Terengganu Fishermen Association (PENENTU) and SABASUN HYPErRUNCIT Sdn Bhd (SABASUN).

The strategic collaboration will allow for improved marketing and also fish farming especially the tilapia species, thus enabling the farmers to enjoy better financial returns.

Prof. Ts. Dr. Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, UMT Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic and International) currently performing the function of UMT Vice Chancellor, said the collaboration serves as a proof of the university’s commitment as an institution that places the community as an important aspect when conducting research.

“We will gather all the outcomes from studies conducted by UMT researchers and find the opportunities to share them with industry players for their use and the communities to enjoy the benefits.

“Farmers’ products will be marketed and sold as ‘contract farming’ by PENENTU and SABASUN. Tilapia farmers can channel their time and energy on the aspects of fish rearing that require specific technical elements.

He said the Rapid Biofloc technology created by Assoc Prof. Ts. Dr. Nor Azman Kasan makes it possible for biofloc to develop as early as ten days as opposed to the 30 days when it is let to develop itself conventionally.

“With this technology, cost of food can be reduced up to 30 percent, the fish is less smelly, fish capacity per cubic metre of water can be increased by as much as 200 percent, and water does not require changing during the grow out period for one cycle (5 – 6 months).

He said the aspects of marketing and sales are the main challenges often reported by aquaculture farmers.

“This strategic collaboration will help improve the sustainability of tilapia farming projects or aquaculture projects, especially those run by small scale farmers in the surrounding communities”.

Prof Zamri was present at the MoU signing ceremony on campus today.

Also present were PENENTU chairman Mat Yassim Mohamed, SABASUN Executive Director Che Suhana Che Ibrahim, LKIM Terengganu Director Ahmad Nazri @ Abd Zaim Madri, and UMTJ Chief Executive Director Dato’ Dr. Ahmad Ramzi Mohamad Zubir.

Prepared by:

Amirul Salam Hasan

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu

Published by:

Corporate Communications Office

Universiti Malaysia Terengganu