UTM Empowers Community Through Waste Innovation

Dr. Fariza Hanim Suhailin

PASIR GUDANG, May 16 – A collaboration between the Faculty of Science, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) and the Welfare and Village Development Committee (JPKK) of Pasir Gudang Baru has set in motion a transformative initiative aimed at converting mussel shell waste into valuable resources. This community-driven effort is funded under the MADANI Community Prosperity programme (SejaTi MADANI) grant, with JPKK Pasir Gudang Baru successfully securing RM100,000 to further expand mussel aquaculture and form collaborations to utilize the discarded mussel shells, which amount to nearly 2 tons per day. This waste-to-wealth project not only promotes environmental sustainability but also harnesses scientific innovation to benefit local livelihoods.

An innovative step in turning aquaculture waste of green-lipped mussel shells into processed shell powder as valuable resources.

Mussel shells, often discarded as waste, are rich in calcium carbonate and hold significant potential for use in agriculture, waste water treatment and even biomedical applications. Under the guidance of UTM researchers, local communities will be trained to process these shells into high-value products such as natural fertilizers, animal feed additives, and water treatment materials specifically designed to remove heavy metal ions from contaminated water. Through a series of hands-on workshops and knowledge-sharing sessions, UTM lecturers will ensuring that scientific knowledge is accessible and applicable to the community.

Faculty of Science, UTM senior lectures (Left: Dr. Raihana Ridzuan and Dr. Huszalina Hussin from Department of Biosciences; Right: Ts. Dr. Fariza Hanim Suhailin from Department of Physics) with the head of JPKK Pasir Gudang Baru, Haji Daud Haji Saad (second from right).

Ultimately, the collaboration reflects a successful model of university-community engagement, where academic expertise and local resources intersect to produce tangible benefits. JPKK Pasir Gudang Baru and UTM’s Faculty of Science are demonstrating that with the right support and vision, even discarded materials like mussel shells can be transformed into sustainable livelihoods and economic empowerment for the community.

A brief presentation on the potential of mussel shells as value-added materials during a site visit to Kampung Pasir Gudang Baru, also attended by the representatives from Implementation Coordination Unit (ICU) Prime Minister’s Departmet (JPM)

Funding support from private sectors, government agencies, or government-linked companies (GLCs) for knowledge transfer programs is always welcome. Such contributions will be fully utilized to empower the local community, especially in developing sustainable skills and income-generating activities. These partnerships not only strengthen community resilience but also foster long-term impact through science-based innovation and inclusive development.