EDUCATIONAL AND COMMUNITY INNOVATION PROJECT: PRODUCTION OF SOAP FROM SHELLFISH WASTE
By: Dr Roslizawati Ab Lah
Dr. Roslizawati Ab Lah and her team have initiated a community-based innovation programme focusing on the production of eco-friendly soap derived from bivalve shell waste, in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly SDG 4 (Quality Education), SDG 12 (Responsible Consumption and Production), SDG 14 (Life Below Water) and SDG 17 (Partnerships for the Goals). The programme aims to address the issue of fisheries shell waste accumulation, which commonly contributes to environmental pollution at landing sites and seafood premises. Through a series of awareness sessions, structured training modules and hands-on workshops, the project transfers practical knowledge to targeted communities, including youth, vocational students and local residents. Participants are trained in simple and systematic techniques for producing shell-based soap that does not require sophisticated equipment and has potential for income generation. This initiative not only enhances community skills and environmental awareness, but also promotes sustainable waste utilization and strengthens collaboration between the university, educational institutions and local communities. Overall, the programme supports inclusive education, community empowerment and sustainable marine resource management.
Dr. Roslizawati Ab Lah bersama pasukan telah memulakan satu program inovasi berasaskan komuniti yang memfokuskan kepada penghasilan sabun mesra alam daripada sisa kulit kerang-kerangan, selaras dengan Matlamat Pembangunan Mampan (SDG), khususnya SDG 4 (Pendidikan Bermutu), SDG 12 (Penggunaan dan Pengeluaran Bertanggungjawab), SDG 14 (Kehidupan di Bawah Air) dan SDG 17 (Perkongsian untuk Matlamat). Program ini bertujuan menangani isu lambakan sisa kulit kerang dalam industri perikanan yang sering menyumbang kepada pencemaran alam sekitar di kawasan pendaratan hasil laut dan premis makanan laut. Melalui siri sesi kesedaran, modul latihan berstruktur serta bengkel praktikal, projek ini memindahkan pengetahuan dan kemahiran praktikal kepada komuniti sasaran termasuk golongan belia, pelajar vokasional dan penduduk setempat. Para peserta dilatih menggunakan teknik yang mudah dan sistematik untuk menghasilkan sabun berasaskan kulit kerang tanpa memerlukan peralatan canggih serta berpotensi menjana pendapatan. Inisiatif ini bukan sahaja meningkatkan kemahiran komuniti dan kesedaran terhadap alam sekitar, malah menggalakkan penggunaan sisa perikanan secara lestari serta memperkukuh kerjasama antara universiti, institusi pendidikan dan komuniti setempat. Secara keseluruhannya, program ini menyokong pendidikan inklusif, pemerkasaan komuniti dan pengurusan sumber marin yang mampan.