chapter 6 - Malaysia Productivity Corporation ( MPC)

PRODUCTIVITY PERFORMANCE OF THE AGRICULTURE SECTOR
Furthermore, a Centre of Excellence has been
established in UPM to undertake R&D on the
unique health benefits of EBN, and development
of other downstream products. Other enablers
that can assist in the development of this industry
are the provision of sufficient export licences and
funding for clinical trials to substantiate health
claims.
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from the nests, and air-dry vacuum and calibrators
to dry the nests, as well as to ensure a uniform shape
in the packaging of EBN. Increased automation
resulting in consistent quality will also ensure that
Malaysian producers maintain their standing in
the global market. The private sector will invest
in processing plants and associated structures,
whereas public sector funding will be for research
and development, enforcement and traceability.
The Kappaphycus seaweed is highly sought after in
the processed food and pharmaceutical industries.
The current low average yield of 1.5 metric tonnes
of dried seaweed per hectare for the cultivated
area of 8,000 hectares is the result of traditional and
labour intensive farming practices. The seaweed
mini-estate initiative aims to increase the farmed
area to 28,000 hectares and the productivity to five
metric tonnes per hectare. Public sector funding
will include infrastructure such as nurseries, drying
and storage facilities.
Swiflet Premises
The seaweed mini-estates will be managed by
the Special Purpose Vehicle (SPV) formed under
Yayasan Universiti Malaysia Sabah (Yayasan UMS).
UMS will be responsible for research on improved
farming technology and product development,
as well as assist anchor companies with farm
operating procedures and extension services. So
far, 3,000 hectares have been gazetted for seaweed
farming in Sabah with the establishment of the
The establishment of Malaysian-owned processing Seaweed Industrial Zone; the total production
facilities will enable EBN to be processed locally. in 2011 was 34,941 tonnes. The first batch of 11
In 2011, 10 new EBN collection and raw-clean participating companies selected for seaweed
processing centres were built, along with seven cultivation will manage 200-hectare clusters and
VHM-certified farmers linked to these clusters will be trained and
offered apprenticeships.
3 processing plants. New EBN
processing technologies include auto-air pressure
vacuum machines for the separation of fur from
the nests, ultraviolet lighting to eliminate bacteria 3 Veterinary Health Mark