Kuala lumpur: Water hyacinth, once regarded as a nuisance that disrupted river transport along Batang Oya in Dalat, has been transformed into a key raw material for producing organic fertiliser and animal feed through Black Soldier Fly (BSF) technology. The initiative at the Organic Fertiliser and Animal Feed Processing Centre in Kampung Kekan integrates BSF technology with water hyacinth processing, turning an environmental problem into a resource while creating economic opportunities for the local community.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Koperasi Dalat Lestari Berhad chairman Muhammad Aznie Abdullah said the project is a collaborative effort to maximise underused local resources and convert them into high-value products. 'The abundance of water hyacinth or teparok in Batang Oya has become a serious environmental and socioeconomic issue as it obstructs river transport, disrupts ecosystems, increases management costs, and affects daily activities and the local economy,' he said.
'Through this project, it is no longer seen as waste or a problem. Instead, it has become a key raw material for producing organic fertiliser and animal feed using BSF technology,' he said during a media visit organised by Petronas. He explained that the collected plants are cleaned and chopped before being mixed with other organic materials as feed for BSF larvae. The larvae break down organic matter rapidly, producing nutrient-rich residue for plants.
'The by-product, known as frass or larval waste, contains nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium needed by plants. It is processed into quality organic fertiliser,' he said. He added that the circular economy approach allows previously low-value materials to be turned into commercially viable products. Mature BSF larvae are also processed into an alternative protein source for animal feed, reducing reliance on imported feed materials.
Muhammad Aznie noted that demand for the organic fertiliser has been encouraging among local farmers, driven by growing awareness of sustainable farming practices. He stated that the integrated system produces no waste, making the facility environmentally friendly and aligned with circular economy principles.
A processing plant worker, Rina Asin, 53, described daily operations involving collecting raw materials, preparing larval feed, monitoring BSF colonies, and processing fertiliser. 'We ensure sufficient supply of water hyacinth and organic materials for the larvae, and monitor the colonies to ensure the decomposition process runs smoothly,' she said. She added that cleanliness and quality control are prioritised to ensure products meet standards. As a Kampung Kekan native, Rina mentioned that local residents, especially women, benefit by collecting water hyacinth for supply to the centre.
Meanwhile, Dalat assemblywoman Datuk Seri Fatimah Abdullah said the idea for the project was first proposed to Petronas in late 2021, with a formal application submitted in February 2022. Fatimah, who is also Sarawak Minister for Women, Children and Community Wellbeing Development, said the RM2.25 million project was approved in 2023 under a collaboration between the Sarawak government and Petronas through its corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme and developed as a community-based initiative in Kampung Kekan.
She reported that 3,227 kilogrammes (kg) of water hyacinth have been collected as raw material, with collectors paid 40 sen per kilogramme. A total of 804 kg of organic fertiliser was produced last year, generating RM2,400 in sales, while 676 kg has been produced so far this year, with sales reaching RM2,119.