SHAH ALAM – Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM) is currently developing an environmentally friendly railway sleeper made from palm oil waste as a sustainable alternative to traditional materials like timber, concrete, and steel.
UiTM Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Datuk Dr. Shahrin Sahib, stated that the continuous reliance on timber-based railway sleepers contributes to deforestation, which contradicts the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). To address this, UiTM, through its Smart Manufacturing Research Institute (SMRI), is conducting research to find a greener solution.
“Our research team, led by the Head of the Transport and Infrastructure Unit and UiTM Research Fellow, Associate Professor Ir. Ts. Dr. Renga Rao Krishnamoorthy, has secured an initial industry research grant of RM25,000 from Tektra Sdn. Bhd. Additional funding will be provided from time to time to support related studies, including the project ‘High Strength Geopolymer Concrete Railway Sleepers Utilizing Green Materials,” he said.
According to him, the research focuses on using palm oil trunks and empty fruit bunches as raw materials for railway sleepers. These materials are not only abundant in Malaysia but also offer high durability and a lower environmental impact.
He shared this information with reporters after the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between UiTM and Tektra Sdn. Bhd. today.
Beyond advancing sustainable railway technology, the MoU also aims to strengthen industry collaboration in railway and construction engineering. This includes efforts to develop a skilled workforce that meets industry demands.
Meanwhile, Tektra Sdn. Bhd. Group Chief Executive Officer, Datuk Anand Raja, expressed confidence in UiTM’s ability to produce high-quality graduates equipped for the construction and railway engineering sectors.
“This collaboration is crucial for enhancing research and innovation in railway and construction engineering. We are honored to be UiTM’s strategic partner in this initiative,” he said.
Echoing this sentiment, Tektra Sdn. Bhd. Group Director, Kartini Hamzah, also expressed confidence in UiTM’s capability to nurture highly qualified graduates who are ready to contribute to the industry.
The three-year MoU covers various initiatives, including joint research projects, industrial training programs, knowledge-sharing sessions, and hands-on training for UiTM students and academic staff. -MalayaDailyToday
