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Malaysia ’ s first soil museum to open in 2025 ?
July-August . 2024 | @ AGROBiz
Local News
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JPG Greenergy : A BioNexus success story
JPG Greenergy Ventures Sdn Bhd , a subsidiary of Johor Plantations Group Berhad ( JPG ), has been granted the esteemed BioNexus Status by the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation ( Bioeconomy Corporation ) under the Ministry of Science , Technology & Innovation ( MOSTI ).
This accolade underscores JPG Greenergy Ventures ’ pioneering work in converting palm oil mill effluent ( POME ) into valuable biomethane , aligning with their goal of achieving net zero emissions by 2050 .
BioNexus Status allows qualified companies to expedite their development in the biotechnology sector by providing them with benefits such as funding , investment facilitation , advisory services , and fiscal incentives .
Building on its achievements , JPG has secured a 15-year gaspurchase agreement with Gas Malaysia Green Ventures Sdn Bhd ( formerly Gas Malaysia Virtual Pipeline Sdn Bhd ).
This arrangement allows purified biomethane gas to be injected into the Natural Gas Distribution System ( NGDS ) with an annual commitment of 250,000 MMBtu . This project is estimated to save roughly 97,889 metric tonnes of CO2 emissions each year , proving the importance of their waste management solution in Malaysia ’ s renewable energy landscape and environmental aspirations .
Chang mentioned : “ In line with the aspirations of the 12th Malaysian plan to achieve netzero GHG emissions by 2050 , the BioNexus Status that MOSTI granted through the Bioeconomy Corporation is crucial in recognising the contributions of industry players in reducing harmful emissions and aligns with Thrust 5 of the National Biotechnology Policy 2.0 , which focuses on advancing industrial biotechnology for a circular economy .
“ With advancements in renewable energy technology , biomethane generation through biotechnological waste processing is also charting a pathway towards producing higher value energy sources such as biomethanol and hydrogen .”
The minister also encouraged other industry players to follow JPG ’ s example in harnessing the potential of waste-to-wealth initiatives .
With Malaysia housing approximately 450 palm oil mills and 10 biogas projects similar to JPG ’ s , it is estimated that CO2 emissions
( From right to left ) -Managing Director of JPG , Mohd Faris Adli Shukery presents a memento to Minister of Science , Technology & Innovation , Chang Lih Kang .
could be reduced by 1.2 million tonnes .
“ JPG Greenergy Ventures exemplifies how innovation and sustainability can collectively drive economic growth ,” highlighted Bioeconomy Corporation Chief Executive Officer Mohd Khairul Fidzal Abdul Razak .
He noted that the BioNexus Status recognises the company ’ s significant contributions to the industrial biotechnology sector and their commitment to achieving net zero emissions by 2050 .
On the other hand , JPG Managing Director Mohd Faris Adli Shukery stated that the BioNexus Status positions JPG for continuous innovation and leadership in Malaysia ’ s bioeconomy sector .
Johor ’ s agricultural sector surges
THE agriculture sector played a significant role in Johor ’ s economy last year , contributing RM17.21 billion , which accounted for 11.6 per cent of the state ’ s gross domestic product ( GDP ), according to Chief Statistician Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin .
The majority of this contribution came from the crop subsector , making up 67.88 per cent , while livestock contributed 25.36 per cent , and fisheries added 6.59 per cent .
During a recent visit to Kampung Orang Asli Kuala Masai to observe mussel farming , Uzir shared insights from a Johor survey , where a farmer had transitioned from palm oil cultivation to vegetable farming , achieving yields nine times higher than those from palm oil .
While he noted that not all farmers should make this shift , he emphasised that adapting crops to meet current supply and demand could significantly boost vegetable supply .
Datuk Seri Dr Mohd Uzir Mahidin
This visit was part of the broader Agriculture Census 2024 programme , which has been ongoing nationwide since July 7 . The census covers various sectors , including crop cultivation , livestock , fisheries , forestry , and logging activities .
Uzir , who also serves as the Agriculture Census Commissioner , reported that the Department of Statistics Malaysia has already completed a census involving 35.3 per cent of the 423,195 agricultural operators across the country .
He highlighted that the last comprehensive census of this scale was conducted nearly
two decades ago , in 2005 . Johor , recognised as the country ’ s largest mussel producer , boasts an annual output exceeding 2,000 tonnes , with exports valued at RM4.7 million .
Uzir underscored the vital role of the Agriculture Census 2024 for national planning and development . The data collected , with the help of all stakeholders , will aid the government in formulating and implementing more effective agricultural policies .
Additionally , the census will provide valuable insights into the effectiveness of existing agricultural programs and inform strategies to enhance the productivity and sustainability of the sector .
Key data being gathered includes the level of technology adoption and the educational background of agricultural operators , which Uzir believes will be instrumental in advancing the agriculture sector to a more modernised level .
Malaysia ’ s first soil museum to open in 2025 ?
A soil scientist has emphasised the urgent need for Malaysia to establish a soil museum to educate students and the public about the significance of soil beyond its essential characteristics .
Prof Ahmad Ebon , former head of the Soil Science Department at Universiti Putra Malaysia ( UPM ), stated that such a museum is crucial for bolstering the nation ’ s food security .
“ Soil is crucial for life and agriculture , yet often overlooked as development progresses . This could impact the production of agricultural goods .
“ It is important to understand the fertility of soils so that we can take care of it and harvest quality as well as a sufficient amount of agricultural products ,” he addressed Bernama during a Press conference .
He was joined by the advisor of the soil museum project , Datuk Seri Diraja Syed Razlan Ibni Syed Putra Jamalullail , and four other committee members : UPM Dean of Agriculture Faculty Prof Dr Loh Teck Chwen , former dean Prof Dr Khanif Yusop , former professor of agriculture Prof Dr Shamshuddin Jusop , and UPM Head of Land Management Department Assoc Prof Dr Christopher Teh Boon Sung .