SABAH (Daily Express).- Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) is urged to find ways to boost participation among the Pulau Banggi people in the seaweed culture project here.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Yahya Hussin, in making the call, said it was imperative to get more islanders to take part in the project to assist in boosting their income.

He said this when visiting the project site under the UMS Borneo Marine Research Institute in collaboration with the Malaysia Fishery Development Board Sabah in Serunding.

It is implemented under the hardcore poor development programme funded by the Federal Regional and Rural Development Ministry.

During the visit, Yahya, who is also Agriculture and Food Industry Minister, was accompanied by Permanent Secretary Haji Jumahat Intang and heads of departments and agencies under the Ministry.

According to him, seaweed farming offers lucrative income and would assist Banggi people in getting out of the poverty cycle.

So far, about 112 people from Pulau Banggi, Pulau Balambangan and nearby islands are taking part in the project, which started in March 1999.

UMS had expanded the project area up to Pitas and Kota Marudu waters as well.

The seaweed, or scientifically known as Erucheuma cottonii, is also known as "Latoh" by the local community.

UMS is also helping the participants to market the dried seaweed and so far successfully produced caranegan for cosmetic products.

Source: http://www.dailyexpress.com.my