Natural Resources Of Pulau Pangkor Harnessed To Boost Local Socioeconomics - Zambry

LUMUT, Feb 8 (Bernama) -- The abundance of natural resources on Pulau Pangkor has been successfully utilised to generate local socioeconomics through the MADANI Community Development Programme, implemented by the Department of Higher Education (JPT).

Higher Education Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Zambry Abd Kadir said that the island's advantages as a tourism, fishing, and green hub has allowed the programme to deliver maximum impact to the involved local residents.

"Aside from that, there are products that can be produced specifically due to Pulau Pangkor's location. For example, the production of kelulut (stingless bee) honey, as well as various seafood-based products manufactured here," he said.

He spoke to reporters after officiating the JPT MADANI Community Development Programme at the Kampung Masjid Open Arena today.

The programme aims to empower community socioeconomics and skills through knowledge-based initiatives and research from Higher Education Institutions (IPT).

The Pulau Pangkor MADANI Community Development Programme, which began in 2025 with University Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), is one of five public universities selected to mentor the community, specifically through the MADANI Community Stingless Bee Entrepreneurship programme.

Through the MADANI Community Stingless Bee Entrepreneurship programme, they have helped residents turn a natural curiosity into a thriving business.

However, the innovation doesn't stop at honey. Dr. Zambry highlighted a suite of high-tech solutions brought directly from campus labs to the village streets.

University Teknologi Mara (UiTM) introduced the "Isundryer" technology to modernise fish drying and the "I-MISTROOM," a modular smart system for mushroom cultivation. Meanwhile, University Putra Malaysia (UPM) has been working on the ground with compost fertilizer projects to ensure the island’s agriculture remains sustainable.

For Dr. Zambry, this collaboration represents the true purpose of higher education: taking specialised knowledge and expertise out of the lecture halls and into the hands of the people. He emphasised that this isn't just about boosting bank accounts, but about elevating the overall quality of life and comfort for everyone.

As the programme continues to grow, the goal is to expand these initiatives across the entire island and beyond, ensuring that every member of the community, regardless of background, can share in this newfound progress.

--BERNAMA