A community economic empowerment initiative under the UniMadani 2025 programme has successfully strengthened the livelihoods of coastal communities in Santubong and Pulau Salak through specialised training on the processing and commercial potential of Gracilaria algae, locally known as Janggut Duyung.
The project, titled “Projek Penghasilan Agar dari Alga (Gracilaria) bagi Tujuan Peningkatan Pendapatan Komuniti di Sungai Santubong” is led by Dr. Teng Sing Tung, together with co-researchers Assoc. Prof. Dr. Elexson Nillian and Ts. Mohd Nasarudin Harith @ Abdul Nasir from Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS). Funded by the Ministry of Finance Malaysia, the initiative seeks to enhance the community’s capabilities in agar extraction, value-added product development, and commercial applications of Janggut Duyung in the food sector.
The programme involved 60 participants, comprising 30 community members from Kampung Pulau Salak and 30 from Kampung Santubong, with representation from myKP Salak, JKKK Kampung Salak, and PNK Muara Tebas. The initiative was jointly organised with the Santubong District Marine Fisheries Office, with technical support from UNIMAS staffs and postgraduate students under the Marine and Freshwater Biology Programme.
Two training sessions were conducted on 3 September 2025 at Dewan Sebarguna, Kampung Pulau Salak, and on 11 September 2025 at Dewan Sri Sejinjang, Jabatan Perikanan Laut Sarawak (JPLS), Santubong.
Participants received hands-on training in agar processing, safe food production techniques, and the development of innovative Janggut Duyung–based food products. A certified Food Handling Course was delivered by Mentari Training Centre, equipping participants with essential industry-standard practices.
This project is expected to pave the way for new micro-entrepreneurship ventures, increased product innovation, and broader market potential for locally produced Janggut Duyung products.
Prepared and written by Dr Teng Sing Tung.