SERDANG: A strategic research collaboration between the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) has resulted in the development of two pineapple-based products.
This was done through a board-funded research and development grant.
The first product, Biosurfaktan Lestari, is an organic bio-detergent base developed from pineapple waste as an alternative to synthetic surfactants.
It demonstrated stable pH levels, effective cleaning power and good foaming properties.
The project, which was led by UMT’s Prof Dr Fadzilah @ Adibah Abd Majid, took one year to develop.
Another project, led by Assoc Prof Dr Fauziah Tufail Ahmad, aims to commercialise MD2 pineapple puree as a fruit leather snack under the brand Pinebiotic Pineapple Strip.
Made with 90% MD2 pineapple puree, the fruit leather snack is meant to support digestive health while offering a healthier option.
Both products were launched by Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin at Laman Agro Food Nanas in conjunction with the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism Exhibition (Maha) 2026 at the Malaysia Agro Exposition Park Serdang here yesterday.
Linda Buang, who is deputy director-general of the Malaysian Pineapple Industry Board, said the project was carried out under the Pineapple Product Research and Innovation Study Programme of the 12th Malaysia Plan, with an allocation of RM4mil for the 2021-2025 period.
Speaking to Bernama, she said the high-impact programme aimed to facilitate technology transfer to entrepreneurs through 10 R&D studies and the development of five new products.
She added that the board would continue working with research institutions, government agencies and the private sector to enhance the marketability of local pineapple-based products.
