PAGOH, 13 July 2025 – Bridging the gap between academia and community, Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM) successfully implemented a Knowledge Transfer Programme focused on citronella grass essential oil processing and product development. The programme, organised by the Innovation Centre in Agritechnology (ICA) UTM Pagoh, with funding from the Dana Pengajaran Industri-Komuniti Pagoh, took place on 12 and 13 July 2025.

Twenty participants, comprising representatives from the local community and industry, attended the workshop entitled ‘Bengkel Pemprosesan dan Penghasilan Produk Berasaskan Minyak Pati Serai Wangi’ . The workshop provided exposure to the fundamentals of essential oil processing and product development using citronella grass. Participants witnessed live demonstrations of essential oil distillation at both semi-industrial (50L) and laboratory scales, utilising the facilities at ICA UTM Pagoh.

Following the theoretical sessions, participants engaged in hands-on practical activities at the Natural Product Research Laboratory, guided by experienced instructors from ICA. They produced their own lemongrass essential oil-based products, including soap from used cooking oil, solid soap, liquid soap, feminine wash, and lip balm.

To enrich the learning experience, an industrial visit was organised to the Essential Oil Processing Factory at Nasuha Herbs & Spices Farm, a large plantation in Asia that produces 135 types of herbs and spices. Mr. Hariz Haikal bin Nasuha, General Manager, shared his insights on various herbal plants suitable for essential oil production and showcased a range of successfully developed and marketed essential oil-based products. Participants also learned that citronella oil is commonly used to repel mosquitoes and other pesky insects due to its natural insect repellent properties.

Entrepreneurs were invited to share their experiences in developing and marketing herbal-based products, providing valuable industry perspectives and fostering entrepreneurial spirit among the participants. Associate Professor ChM. Dr. Norazah Basar, Project Leader, Ts. ChM. Dr. Norliza Abdul Latiff, Assistant Project Leader, and their team were commended for the programme’s success. The programme received positive feedback, with hopes it will create new income opportunities for the local community and strengthen community partnerships.

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By: Puan Nur Fashya Binti Musa, Innovation Centre In Agritechnology, Jabatan Timbalan Naib Canselor (Penyelidikan & Inovasi)