Improving Livelihood of Sugar Palm Community in Malaysia

Abstract

Engineering product development based on sugar palm tree in Kg. Kuala Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, Malaysia, is a joint venture project between Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) and Village Development and Security Committee (JKKK) of Kg. Kuala Jempol, Negeri Sembilan, with funding from the Ministry of Education Malaysia under the eighth National Blue Ocean Strategy (NBOS). This project is important in transferring university expertise to transform community. There were three main objectives, namely, to transfer the knowledge for the development of products based on sugar palm fibres, to transfer the knowledge for the development of products based on sugar palm tree and to help the local community in marketing the product. From this project, the village community is exposed to the potentials of sugar palm that is usually known for only sweetening beverages. At the end of this project, the community will continue the process of collecting and making products based on sugar palm trees and market them throughout Malaysia. The project has proudly developed 12 products based on sugar palm trees, namely, the sugar palm fibre, starch, roof, rope, brooms, brushes, bottlebrushes, vinegar, fruit, liquid sugar, fined sugar and block sugar. In a short time, all products can be realised along with packaging that can attract buyers. In addition, two products have received registered trademarks which are the sugar palm fibre and sugar palm starch.