Semporna-based firm first to produce refined carrageenan (RC)

SEMPORNA, Mar 3 (Daily Express) -- Genius Sdn Bhd (GSB), which opened its factory in Kg. Sakong Kecil, near here, has created history by becoming the first Malaysian company to produce refined carrageenan (RC) from seaweed.

GSB, which received research grant of RM5 million from the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation for research and production of the product, started operations in August last year.

The company has so far spent RM28 million to set up the plant for the production of RC from red seaweed, with a production capacity of up to 600 metric tonnes a month. RC is extracted from seaweed and is used in the production of many kinds of fodd, pharmaceutical, cosmetic and other products.

Currently, GSB has the capacity to produce one kilogramme of RC for every 5kg of seaweed processed and it offers employment opportunities to 70 to 100 locals. The company is also projecting the capability of seeing a revenue of up to RM25.2 million from the export of RC based on its current production rate.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Datuk Dr Maximus Ongkili after visiting the site of seaweed cultivation at the Church Reef, and GSB's factory, here, Monday, said the Ministry was satisfied with the progress made.

"It is among the measures taken by the Ministry to add value to the production of fishermen who cultivate seaweed. This is indeed not only lucrative but can be easily carried out by farmers and fishermen to increase the earnings." The Ministry, through its agency, sponsors the use of modern technology in the processing of seaweed.

Dr Maximus said following the success of GSB, teh Ministry through its agency, Institut Pertanian Bioteknologi, planned to carry out follow-up research with the view of further development and exploration of the industry.

On another note, he said under the Ninth Malaysia Plan, his ministry has set aside funds worth RM960 million to be channelled through 17 research grants.

So far, the Ministry has received 2,500 applications for the grants but only 60 per cent have been successful. Out of the 60 per cent, Sabah makes up only five per cent, he added.