By Shikin Louis
KUCHING, May 24: Sarawak is looking to set up a central body to collect palm oil waste from all 85 mills across the State to make sure there’s enough volume to support downstream industries like biofuel and animal feed.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said he will discuss with Sarawak Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom and Sarawak Attorney-General Dato Sri Saferi Ali to review Sarawak’s laws on the matter.
“Because when it comes to waste like this, if everyone handles it in small separate groups, there is no economy of scale.
“Some people are not willing to contribute their waste. So, we have to look into the legal aspect,” he said when speaking during the launch of Sarawak Land Consolidation and Rehabilitation Authority’s (SALCRA) Kernel Crushing Plant held at Lubok Antu Palm Oil Mill, broadcast live by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS) on Facebook today.
Abang Johari further said the Sarawak government may need to make it mandatory—a combined effort between the private sector and the government—to establish a central entity to collect all this waste from the 85 mills.
“That way, we can ensure sufficient volume. When we have volume, we achieve economy of scale, and this allows us to produce the downstream products in a more sustainable way,” he added.
According to him, many mills only produce two or three tonnes of waste each—too little to be useful.
“But if we combine them all, we can get 100 tonnes. That’s where it becomes efficient,” he pointed out.
Earlier in his speech, Abang Johari explained how Sarawak aims to turn palm oil waste into valuable products that benefit smallholders and the State’s economy.
The first key product is animal feed made from the by-products of crushed palm kernels. This feed can be used for livestock such as goats, cattle, and chickens. The Premier highlighted that by integrating livestock farming with oil palm plantations, smallholders can increase their income streams—producing both palm oil and animal products on the same land.
The second product is biofuel, including sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) made from biomass derived from palm oil waste. This biofuel can power aircraft, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and supporting Sarawak’s goal of greener energy.
The third downstream product is hydrogen gas, which can be extracted during the processing of palm oil waste. Hydrogen has growing potential as a clean energy source for transportation and electricity generation, including use in Autonomous Rapid Transit (ART) public transportation.
By developing these industries, Sarawak aims to create a circular economy where waste is converted into valuable products—increasing sustainability and providing new income streams for local communities involved in palm oil farming.
Also present were Dr Rundi who is also SALCRA chairman, Lubok Antu MP Roy Angau Gingkoi, Acting Sri Aman Resident Mahra Salleh, and SALCRA general manager Joseph Blandoi. – DayakDaily
