UMT Launches Pilot Project To Boost Local Economy

KUALA NERUS, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has launched a pilot project in Kampung Kubang Badak as part of its efforts to boost the local economy.

Its vice-chancellor, Prof Dr Mohd Zamri Ibrahim, said the initiative involves the rainwater harvesting system (SPAH), integrated aquaculture, and oyster mushroom entrepreneurship projects.

He added that to ensure the success of these projects, over RM100,000 in funding has been channelled through the Sejahtera MADANI@KPT (SejaTi MADANI@KPT), Komuniti@UniMADANI, and Service Learning Malaysia-University for Society (SULAM) initiatives.

“This effort is a strategic initiative that reflects the university’s commitment to empowering the local community through knowledge transfer, innovation, and sustainable development.

“It is also in line with the university’s agenda to promote inclusive and progressive social values, in accordance with UMT’s slogan, ‘U & Me Together,’” he said after officiating the launch ceremony at Surau At-Taqwa, Kampung Kubang Badak, here today.

Mohd Zamri also released 1,500 catfish fry into a breeding tank as the project’s symbolic launch.

He said that Kampung Kubang Badak was chosen as the project site due to its strategic location and proximity to the campus, which facilitates coordination and monitoring of the initiative.

A total of 30 participants, including housewives, single mothers, retirees, and youth, are involved in the project, which is expected to provide additional monthly income of between RM1,000 and RM2,000.

“The SPAH project is a sustainable water resource management initiative. The integrated aquaculture combines fish farming with agriculture, while the oyster mushroom entrepreneurship programme provides training in the cultivation, management, and processing of mushroom-based products.

“The collaboration between the university and the community, with the support of government agencies, is hoped to elevate Kampung Kubang Badak into a model of a progressive, competitive, and sustainable rural community,” he said.

-- BERNAMA