SAMARAHAN: Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), through its Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FSTS), organised the ‘Wash Well, Waste Less’ programme at Kampung Semera, Asajaya, on Thursday, under the Komuniti@UniMADANI 2025 Grant from the Ministry of Finance Malaysia.
The initiative aims to empower rural communities through a chemipreneurship approach that integrates chemical innovation with social entrepreneurship.
Project leader Dr Ain Nadirah Romainor from FSTS said the workshop marked an important step toward building sustainable and self-reliant communities.
Supported by chemistry and entrepreneurship experts Prof. Dr Zainab Nagaini, Dr Faizan Iza, Dr Mugunthan, and Dr Junidah, the project promotes turning waste into economic value.
“Through this workshop, we want to show that waste materials, such as used cooking oil, have economic potential.
“This not only helps reduce pollution but also opens new entrepreneurial opportunities for villagers,” said Ain.
Participants expressed excitement over the hands-on experience of producing eco-friendly soaps.
One of the participants, Noraini, shared her satisfaction after using the soap produced during the workshop.
“I used to buy commercial soaps, but they couldn’t remove stubborn stains like paint. This soap we made works perfectly; it cleaned everything,” she said.
Another participant, Ayang, noted its effectiveness for kitchen use.
“I used it for washing dishes, it foams well and cleans just like commercial ones,” she said.
Participants Ara and Ema also highlighted the product’s market potential.
“With nice packaging, it could even be sold as wedding souvenirs or door gifts. It is cost-saving and attractive,” they said.
Ain emphasised that the project aligns with Malaysia’s MADANI Economy, Sustainable Development Goal (SDG) 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and MySTIE 10-10 under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation.
