Merotai: The Malaysian Innovation Foundation (YIM) is assisting local communities and entrepreneurs in Sabah to identify innovation opportunities that can enhance productivity and product quality. YIM, an agency under the Science, Technology and Innovation Ministry, is implementing the initiative through the Jejak Inovasi Sosial programme, covering selected sites in Merotai.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, YIM’s chief executive officer, Dr. Sharmila Mohamed Salleh, along with Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal, visited the area to assess product potential and challenges faced by entrepreneurs. Dr. Sharmila stated that they examine all aspects, including how innovation can speed up processing, increase output, and benefit the entrepreneurs. They are also collecting related data to share with relevant parties to ensure it receives proper attention.

The sites visited include a swiftlet farm, an amplang cracker production facility, and IoT irrigation systems for ginger cultivation. Swiftlet farm operator in Kampung Tanah Merah Laut, Merotai Besar, Syamsul Kurus, 41, expressed hope to receive support to enhance the production of white swiftlet nests, which he started in 2021. Currently, the farm has five swiftlet nests, with harvesting done every two to three months, yielding between 500 grammes and 1.3 kilogrammes, which are sold to shops or private buyers. Syamsul highlighted the need for advisory services to increase nest production and guidance on developing downstream products.

Meanwhile, amplang cracker entrepreneur Kasmah Basiran, 68, mentioned the requirement for equipment such as mixers and fryers to meet rising demand. Having produced amplang since 2000, Kasmah noted that demand increases during school holidays and festive seasons. The production is done manually by 14 workers, operating 24 days a month. Kasmah added that five flavours are produced, namely fish, squid, prawn, chicken, and cheese, which are marketed across the country and in Brunei.