Kpg Belawai's ‘sesar unjur' goes green with new eco-friendly tech
Dr Abang Mohammad Nizam (right) demonstrates the proper technique for operating the machine during the training session. – Photo from WWF-Malaysia
KUCHING (June 12): An engineering solution has enabled the community in Kampung Belawai, Tanjung Manis to produce 'sesar unjur' (smoked prawn) more efficiently while contributing to the conservation of local mangroves.
In a joint statement, WWF-Malaysia and Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (Unimas) said the new technology allows locals to shift from producing smoked prawns using mangrove logs to using a machine specially engineered to perform the work without the need to cut down mangroves.
Fatimah Lain, a 67-year-old local resident, praised the new technology, noting that it is less labour-intensive and requires minimal effort.
'Unlike the traditional method, the machine does not require constant monitoring. In traditional smoking, we had to regularly check and control the fire.
'This new approach is not only easier but also more cost-effective, as it uses significantly less mangrove wood,' she said when met following a training session for 'sesar unjur' producers and handover of the smokehouse and machine to the local community, in Kampung Belawai recently.
Fatimah expresses her delight after learning a new method of producing 'sesar unjur'. – Photo from WWF-Malaysia
The smokehouse pilot project was brought to the community in Kampung Belawai by WWF-Malaysia in collaboration with the Faculty of Engineering of Unimas and the Sarawak Digital Economy Corporation (SDEC).
This smoked prawn processing technology is developed to help reduce community's dependence on mangroves to smoke their famed 'sesar unjur' — a seasonal, high-value product, fetching up to RM180 per kg in local markets.
The version produced along the Belawai-Rajang-Paloh stretch is especially prized for its distinct smoky aroma, traditionally achieved using mangroves as firewood.
'The conventional smoking process lacks temperature and smoke control, leading to excessive mangrove harvesting during peak seasons and raising concerns about the sustainability of mangrove forests as well as the supply of firewood.
'On the other hand, the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh mangrove ecosystem is vital to the livelihood of the community, who are mainly fishers, and home to various coastal wildlife species including the endangered Irrawaddy dolphin (Orcaella brevirostris),' added the statement.
The seasonal surge in 'sesar unjur' production is said to place immense pressure on the ecosystem, risking unsustainable harvesting of mangrove wood, thereby disrupting biodiversity and threatening long-term ecological stability.
According to WWF-Malaysia Sarawak Conservation Programme senior manager for landscapes Ailyn Nau Sidu, the Rajang-Belawai-Paloh mangrove complex covers nearly 94,000 hectares, making it the biggest in the state.
She cautioned that if the mangrove complex is not managed sustainably, there are risks of losing more forest mangroves, which would eventually impact fish and marine mammal populations.
'Fish are the community's livelihoods, and so are the marine mammals, especially the Irrawaddy dolphins, which have the potential to be an ecotourism attraction to the area,' she said.
Prawns successfully smoked using the machine. – Photo from WWF-Malaysia
Thanking Unimas, SDEC, and the local community for their support in the project, Ailyn also shared that initial research from the university showed that the machine has reduced the use of mangrove wood successfully by 80 per cent to produce 'sesar unjur' against the traditional method.
Additionally, Unimas Faculty of Engineering, led by Dr Abang Mohammad Nizam Abang Kamaruddin, developed a prototype system with improved heat and smoke control technologies under SDEC funding in 2022.
Later, under the leadership of Deputy Dean of Research and Innovation Dr Annisa Jamali, the faculty developed and deployed Smoking Automation with Hybrid-heat Sources (SMOKAHs) — a modular smoking system powered by electricity and/or solar energy.
SMOKAHs integrates multiple heat and smoke sources within a controlled chamber, reducing reliance on fossil fuels and unsustainably harvested wood while preserving the authentic flavours of 'sesar unjur'.
Piloted with other communities from Tebelu to Igan, SMOKAHs is now recognised as a viable solution for preserving traditional food practices in a sustainable way.
The machine significantly reduces processing time — from a full day to just three to four hours — and produces prawn that complies with European Commission Food Standards, with significantly lower polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbon (PAH) levels compared to traditional methods.
According to the team's certified Greenhouse Gas professional Ir Ts Dr Lidyana Roslan, SMOKAHs also achieves up to 80 per cent reduction in carbon emissions.
A single smoking cycle consumes only 1-2 kg of mangrove wood, compared to 20.72 kg used in conventional methods to process the same quantity (16 kg) of 'sesar unjur', a breakthrough in both environmental conservation and production efficiency.
Tanjung Manis community leader Pemanca Morshidi Moris, who is also Belawai Mukah Berhad Cooperatives chairman, said this is the second smoked prawn machine introduced in Belawai.
He noted that the first machine, introduced under a different initiative and organisation, was unsuccessful due to a lack of community involvement.
'Local smokehouse operators were involved from the start of the machine's development by Unimas and WWF-Malaysia, with their feedback incorporated into the design.
'For example, the use of LPG (liquefied petroleum gas) instead of full electricity was incorporated based on suggestions from the community, aiming to reduce operational costs.
'While the taste of smoke prawns produced by the machine has not yet fully matched that of traditional methods, the outcomes are very similar — achieving about 70 per cent similarity,' he said, adding that the machine will be operated by cooperative members. eco-friendly Kampung Belawai sesar unjur smoked prawn WWF-Malaysia
Hashtags
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
Free Malaysia Today
12 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
It's WhatsApp to the rescue for stranded hikers
The hikers with the rescue team comprising firefighters from Bukit Mertajam and members of the public. (JPBM pic) BUKIT MERTAJAM : Two youngsters who got lost while hiking in the Cherok Tok Kun forest near here were swiftly rescued by the fire brigade, thanks to a handy smartphone. State fire and rescue assistant director John Sagun Francis said the two 18-year-olds sent their location via WhatsApp to his department at 1.16pm. 'A team from the Bukit Mertajam fire and rescue station was deployed to the location.' The state recreational forest is home to Bukit Cherok Tok Kun and Penang's largest tree, with its enormous buttress roots. Five personnel, aided by members of the public, were involved in the search and rescue operation. He said the two hikers were found and brought down safely three hours later.
Malay Mail
18 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Gawai Dayak 2025 parade in Kuching brings Sarawak's spirit to life with colour, culture and unity
KUCHING, June 21 — More than 90 contingents and 12 decorated floats, featuring over 3,000 participants from the Orang Ulu, Bidayuh, and Iban communities, brought vibrant colour and cultural significance to the Gawai Dayak 2025 Parade, much to the delight of both locals and visitors. The day began with the traditional Orang Ulu 'Upacara Mamat' ceremony, held at the Tun Jugah Building lobby. Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Openg officiated the ritual, which was conducted by the Sarawak Council for Customs and Traditions and led by Pemanca Tony Kulleh from the Belaga Kenyah community. The ritual sought blessings and permission from ancestral spirits to commence the parade. Following the ceremony, Abang Johari and other dignitaries joined the 1.2-km parade from Tun Jugah Building to the Kuching Waterfront. A contingent representing the Iban community at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Among those in attendance were Deputy Premiers Datuk Amar Douglas Uggah Embas and Datuk Amar Dr Sim Kui Hian, along with the main organising committee chair of the state-level Gawai Dayak celebration, Datuk Gerawat Gala. The 'Upacara Mamat' ritual remains symbolic as a celebration of unity and a means of passing down the spirit of courage and togetherness to younger generations. It reflects values of gratitude, shared achievement, and harmony – ideals at the heart of Gawai. The two-hour parade also featured contingents and special guests from outside Sarawak, including members of the Kadazan Dusun Cultural Association (KDCA) Sarawak Branch. The Raja Muda of Perlis, Tuanku Syed Faizuddin Putra Jamalullail, was present as a special guest. A women contingent showcasing their costumes at the parade. — The Borneo Post pic Also in attendance were delegates from North Kalimantan, led by Vice Governor Ingkong Ala and the Republic of Indonesia Senator Dr Marthin Billa, who is also the President of the National Dayak Customary Council. The Orang Ulu community was represented by groups such as the Sarawak Kayan Association Kuching Branch, Sarawak National Kenyah Association, Sarawak Bisaya Association, Sarawak Lahanan Association, Punan National Association, Serian Orang Ulu Association, Sarawak Kayan Women Association, and the Orang Ulu National Association. Contingents from the Bidayuh community included branches of the Dayak Bidayuh National Association (DBNA) from Serian, Lundu, Urban Kuching, Central Kuching, Siburan, Serapi, Penrissen, Padawan, Bau, Samarahan and Tebedu, as well as the Kuching Biperoh Association, Kuching Biya Association, and the Jagoi Area Development Committee. One of the contingents making their way to the Kuching Waterfront. — The Borneo Post pic Representing the Iban community were the Tun Jugah Foundation, Sarawak Dayak National Union (SDNU), Sarakup Indu Dayak Sarawak, Dayak Chamber of Commerce and Industry, several SDNU branches, the Anak Borneo Semenanjung Association, Sarawak Pribumi Intellectual Association, Dayak Kuching Community Culture and Charity Club, and Sarawak Dayak Iban Association. Speaking to reporters after the parade, Uggah said it served as a platform for Sarawak's diverse ethnic groups to showcase their rich culture and traditions. 'It is also to enlighten the non-Dayak community of the traditions and customs practised by the Dayaks,' he said. He also expressed appreciation to the Premier Abang Johari and Raja Muda of Perlis for attending the cultural celebration. — The Borneo Post
Malay Mail
21 hours ago
- Malay Mail
Factory fire guts 80pc of building in Puchong's Kampung Lembah Kinrara, no casualties reported
PUCHONG, June 21 — A fire has reportedly broke out at a factory along Kampung Lembah Kinrara here this afternoon, destroying about 80 per cent of the building. The Star cited Selangor Fire and Rescue Department saying the Puchong fire station received a distress call at 12.15pm and deployed a team to the site on Jalan Lembah Kinrara. 'Firefighters reached the scene at 12.22pm and efforts to extinguish the fire are underway,' said Selangor Fire and Rescue Department assistant director (Operations) Ahmad Mukhlis Mokhtar. 'As of now, no victims have been reported,' he added. Meanwhile, Free Malaysia Today wrote citing the Puchong Fire and Rescue Department that the factory — which measured approximately 100 feet by 120 feet — was 80 per cent damaged. 'Updates will be provided in due course,' it reportedly said.
