By Yasmin Ramlan
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 21 — A solid waste management process via a mobile bioconversion system, currently used by the Shah Alam City Council, has the potential to be extended to other local authorities, said state executive councillor for public health and the environment Jamaliah Jamaluddin.
The approach formulated by biotechnology company Entomal Biotech Sdn Bhd (Entomal) to manage food waste using black soldier fly (BSF) larvae can reduce costs and improve waste management sustainability.
“I hope there will be more councils supporting this initiative, as in the end, we want sustainability in solving food waste or handling waste management issues.
“I have high hopes because just now, based on the explanation, not only are they handling food waste or waste management, but also producing products from the waste management for sustainability,” she said.
Jamaliah was speaking to Selangor Journal after officiating Entomal’s exhibit during the Selangor International Business Summit (SIBS) 2023 at the Kuala Lumpur Convention Centre today.
In 2021, it was reported that Malaysians wasted 17,000 tonnes of food daily, while Selangor alone generated 2,000 tonnes of food waste daily.
Expressing concern, she stressed the environmental impact of food wastage and how it contributes to pollution, highlighting the importance of the state government in taking bold steps to address the issue.
“For example, the fly can be used as fish or chicken feed. I feel it contributes a lot in terms of reducing carbon dioxide and methane production, and so on.
“The result is good, sustainable, and useful. I believe the councils and private sector should carry out this initiative as we can reduce costs and ensure waste management sustainability,” Jamaliah said.
Entomal is a Malaysian biotech startup utilising BSF to create a circular economy and also manufactures BSF-based food products to alleviate global demand for animal feed.
Besides using BSF larvae to produce animal feed, the company also produces other products, including cat food.
It was one of the Top Five winners of the Selangor Innovation and Startup Accelerator Programme (SAP) 2022 award, organised by the Selangor Information Technology and Digital Economy Corporation (Sidec), in September last year.
