KUCHING: Sarawak is fortunate to have 600 strains of various algae species that are kept in a depository for research at the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the key components from algae have a significant value in the industries that use them as their product ingredients.
Other than being useful in the green economy, he said many algae species have other nutritional and medical benefits.
“For instance, spirulina has been marketed as a superfood because of its high protein and nutritional content. Inside this algae is a blue pigment called phycocyanin that has been found to not only reduce inflammation in the body, but also detoxify, boost the immune system, and help with weight loss.
“The medical value of algae is yet to be fully discovered as it has been reported to contain compounds that are antibacterial and antiviral,” he said during the official launch of CHITOSE Carbon Capture Central Sarawak at Sejingkat Power Corporation today.
Abang Johari said Sarawak’s forward thinking and willingness to innovate and experiment with technology have already yielded benefits in other sectors.
“Microalgae as a renewable resource are promising and have the potential to achieve the same trajectory of success.
“All the players are crucial in the success of this project – we need the Japanese’s knowhow, the SBC’s research talents, and Sarawak Energy’s flue gas from the power plant, without which we cannot accelerate microalgae production,” he said.
Moving towards decarbonisation, he said progressing the state’s Green Energy Agenda will build a sustainable future by reducing carbon emissions and footprints.
“If this carbon capture and integrated microalgae production facility can prove to be successful, Sarawak will no doubt be the global reference for corporates and multinationals alike who are confronting their own green transformation,” he added.
