KUALA TERENGGANU, 21 JAN - The Institute of Tropical Forestry and Forest Products (INTROP UPM) has organized a Knowledge Transfer Workshop to the Community and Industry as well as an Adjustment Meeting for the Kenaf Textile Commercialization Cooperation Project for the Boat Manufacturing Industry. Knowledge transfer and work visits were held at MSET Inflatable Composit Corporation Sdn Bhd, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) and Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Crafts Development Corporation. In addition to the knowledge transfer program, through the LKTN grant, project leader Prof. Ir. Ts. Dr. Khalina Abdan also carried out a functional test of lifeboats made from kenaf fibers. A collaboration between LKTN and INTROP UPM, this program aims to give an understanding to the craft industry in Terengganu about the University's current research using natural fibers while also contributing ideas to the local boat industry in Kuala Terengganu about new materials that can be used as basic materials for the manufacture of lifeboats.

31 participants comprising of UPM researchers, MSET Inflatable Composit Corporation Sdn Bhd staffs, Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) researchers, Green Advantex Sdn Bhd researcher and LKTN officials participated in the kenaf fiber boat testing activity. The itinerary began with an explanation of the project background, a presentation of the results of the project study and then the testing of the kenaf fiber boat carried out along the coast of Pulau Kambing Estuary of Kuala Terengganu. The produced boat accommodates up to 8 passengers and the driving tests include 'maneuver, crash stop' and speed performance tests. The test concluded after 45 minutes.

Next, the activity continued with a site visit to the boat manufacturing workshop at MSET Inflatable Composit Corporation Sdn. Bhd located in Gong Badak Kuala Terengganu. Here, participants were also briefed about a type of lifeboat that can be inflated using air pressure techniques. After the tour session, all participants gathered at Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT) for the knowledge transfer session. This sharing session was done by Ts. Dr. Mohd Radzi Ali about the composite manufacturing process and the results of his experiments covering physical and mechanical tests. This sharing session is important to reveal the potential use of technology in the manufacturing of composites using natural fibers and encourage the development of innovative solutions for entrepreneurs and industry.

The program continued to the Terengganu branch of the Malaysian Handicrafts Development Corporation to discover the fabric making process using traditional weaving techniques. Director-General of Handicrafts Mr. Md Azrul Hussein welcomed the arrival of INTROP delegates and gave us the opportunity to visit their weaving, welding and batik canting workshops that are available there. Throughout the visit, INTROP also shared ideas about the use of natural fibers for boat manufacturing projects and knowledge about the latest research results.

Date of Input: 09/02/2024 | Updated: 09/02/2024 | amallina.osman