TAWAU, Aug 24 (Bernama) -- The Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM) is assisting local communities and entrepreneurs in Sabah to identify innovation opportunities that can enhance productivity and product quality.
YIM, an agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, is implementing the initiative through the Jejak Inovasi Sosial programme, covering selected sites in Merotai.
Its chief executive officer, Dr Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, said the visit with Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal aimed to assess product potential and challenges faced by entrepreneurs.
“We examine all aspects, including how innovation can speed up processing, increase output, and benefit the entrepreneurs.
“We are also collecting related data and will share the information with relevant parties to ensure it receives proper attention,” she told Bernama.
The sites visited include a swiftlet farm, an amplang cracker production facility and IoT irrigation systems for ginger cultivation.
Swiftlet farm operator in Kampung Tanah Merah Laut, Merotai Besar, Syamsul Kurus, 41, hopes to receive support to enhance the production of white swiftlet nests, which he started in 2021.
“Currently, we have five swiftlet nests, and harvesting is done every two to three months, yielding between 500 grammes and 1.3 kilogrammes, sold to shops or private buyers.
“We need advisory services to increase nest production and guidance on developing downstream products,” he said.
Meanwhile, amplang cracker entrepreneur, Kasmah Basiran, 68, said she required equipment such as mixers and fryers to meet rising demand.
“I have been producing amplang since 2000, and demand increases during school holidays and festive seasons. We operate 24 days a month, and production is done manually by 14 workers,” she said.
Kasmah added that five flavours are produced, namely fish, squid, prawn, chicken, and cheese, which are marketed across the country and in Brunei.
-- BERNAMA
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