KUCHING: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through its Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FRST), successfully organised a Soap and Eco-Enzyme Workshop at Kampung Bako, held at Masjid Al-Hidayah today.

The workshop was supported by funding amounting to RM100,000 from the Ministry of Finance, channelled through the Public University Community Empowerment Programme, Komuniti@UniMADANI UNIMAS.

In a statement it said the allocation supported two community-based projects led by two FRST chemistry experts, focusing on soap production and environmentally friendly cleaning agents.

A total of 30 Kampung Bako residents took part in the programme, which emphasised hands-on training. Participants were taught how to produce multipurpose soap using used cooking oil, as well as eco-enzymes derived from fruit waste.

The initiative aims to create opportunities for villagers to develop products with the potential to generate supplementary income.

According to Project Head for the Used Cooking Oil Transformation initiative, Dr Ain Nadirah, feedback from participants showed that the soap produced was effective for dishwashing and laundry.

She added that the product is also suitable as a souvenir, as it is easy to carry and safe for users of all ages.

Meanwhile, Project Head for the Fruit-Based Eco-Enzyme initiative, Dr Dayang Norafizan Awang Chee, said the eco-enzyme introduced through chemical formulation techniques was highlighted as an environmentally friendly alternative with potential applications as an insect repellent, including against flies.

She noted that some participants had successfully sold fly repellent products at RM15 per bottle, with steady demand reported.

Both experts expressed hope that the workshop would benefit Kampung Bako residents, not only by improving household waste management practices but also by enabling the community to produce value-added products that can be commercialised on a small scale.

Workshop participant Hamizan Jemi, 48, a KAFA teacher at SK Bako, said such programmes are highly anticipated by villagers.

He noted that beyond fostering collaboration with UNIMAS, the most important outcome is the opportunity for residents to turn the knowledge gained into small-scale business ventures.

Treasurer of the Masjid Al-Hidayah Bako Committee, Heazani Jemi, also conveyed his appreciation to UNIMAS and expressed hope that similar community programmes would continue, as villagers are enthusiastic about learning to produce small and medium industry products. -UKASnews