KANOWIT, SARAWAK – A team of lecturers from the Faculty of Resource Science and Technology (FRST), Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS), has initiated an Aquaponics Technology project to benefit the residents of Kampung Rantau Dilang, Kanowit. The initiative, carried out under the KOMUNITI@UniMADANI program, is led by Associate Professor Dr Micky Vincent and his team members which include Associate Professor Dr Devagi Kanakaraju, Associate Professor Chung Hung Hui, Dr Walftor Dumin and Dr Bernard Maringgal.
The aquaponics project aims to empower the rural community—located far from the nearest town—with the knowledge and tools to produce their own food, including fish and vegetables, for personal consumption and for sale to generate additional income. Running from July to December 2024, the project involves the installation of a simple aquaponic setup consisting of eight fish tanks equipped with distribution pumps to the vegetable cultivating PVC platforms. In addition, hands-on training sessions were also conducted where villagers were trained to manage the aquaponic system. This system integrates tilapia fish farming with the cultivation of vegetables such as lettuce, and kangkong, using a series of interconnected modules.
As a knowledge transfer initiative, the project introduces a sustainable, closed-loop approach that minimizes environmental impact while promoting green technology. Once fully implemented, the system is designed to be self-sustaining, requiring minimal external support for long-term operation. The impact of the project is expected to be both social and economic. By equipping the villagers with practical aquaponics skills, the initiative aims to improve food security, enhance nutritional intake, and provide new income-generating opportunities. The long-term goal is for participants to independently maintain and eventually expand their aquaponics systems, leading to improved quality of life and sustainable development in the community.
