Bioeconomy Corp Empowers Fishermen Through Old Net Recycling Programme

PUTRAJAYA, Dec 22 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation, an agency under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), organised an Old Net Recycling Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Programme at the Sepang Besar Jetty, Bagan Lalang.

The initiative was aimed at empowering local fishermen while supporting maritime safety and sustainable food resources.

Through this initiative, fishermen in the Sepang and Kuala Langat areas collected used nets into special "NuNet" bins provided by Nuplas Solutions Sdn Bhd (Nuplas) at the jetty. Participating fishermen receive a cash incentive of up to RM1.50 for every kilogram of used nets collected, with each "NuNet" bin capable of holding up to 600 kilograms.

The programme, held on Dec 20, featured Bio-based Accelerator (BBA) company Nuplas as a strategic partner, in collaboration with the Selangor Fisheries Department and the Sepang and Kuala Langat Area Fishermen's Associations.

Bioeconomy Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak said in a statement today that the collected nets will be processed by Nuplas using bio-based technology.

The processed material will be converted into high-quality industrial raw materials for products such as shoes, jerseys, automotive interior components, and electrical appliances.

He stated that the programme also helps reduce incidents of "ghost nets" (abandoned nets), marine pollution, and threats to the marine ecosystem that could impact the nation's seafood resources.

"This Old Net Recycling Program is vital because fishermen are helping to address the issue of nets discarded into Malaysian waters. According to the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF), over one million tons of fishing gear enter the oceans annually. This not only endangers human health but also causes the deaths of fish and other marine life, potentially contributing to national food shortages," he said.

His speech was delivered by Bioeconomy Corporation Senior Vice President of Corporate Services, Wan Hasnul Nadzrin Wan Sulong. Mohd Khairul emphasized that besides supporting food security, the programme offers additional income for fishermen and encourages more responsible disposal of fishing gear.

"At the same time, the involvement of fishermen contributes to the creation of new products and supports the implementation of a circular economy and sustainable lifestyle as emphasized by the government," he added.

A total of 60 fishermen from the Sepang and Kuala Langat areas attended the event, which has the potential to benefit at least 385 fishermen in the two regions. While this is Bioeconomy Corporation's first time introducing the programme in Sepang, Nuplas has already implemented net collection programmes with 10 fishing communities in Kedah, Penang, and Pahang.

During the event, fishermen brought used nets for handover, and Nuplas conducted briefings on the proper methods for sorting and cleaning the nets before collection. Feedback was highly positive, with several fishermen suggesting more "NuNet" bins be placed in the Kuala Langat area to facilitate ongoing participation.

The initiative represents Bioeconomy Corporation's efforts to support MOSTI in culturing science, technology, and innovation within the community. This aligns with the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 and the National Science, Technology, and Innovation Policy Action Plan 2021–2030, which promote a circular economy and a robust STI ecosystem.

--BERNAMA