malaysiangKUALA LUMPUR, Universiti Teknologi Petronas (UTP) recently showcased its innovative PREDITACKS technology, designed to tackle the negative impact of golden apple snails on paddy yields, during a live demonstration at Kampung Bohor, Kedah.
In a statement, UTP said the demonstration attracted a range of key stakeholders including government officials, industry leaders, subject matter experts, and academics, adding that the event represents a significant advancement in paddy field management practices.
Developed by Dr Mazeyanti Mohd Ariffin from UTP’s Positive Computing (+COMP) Research Centre, PREDITACKS employs Internet of Things (IoT) sensors and immobiliser technology to address the persistent issue of golden apple snail infestations in paddy fields, particularly in the Muda Agriculture Development Authority (MADA) region of Kedah.
‘The demonstration highlighted PREDITACKS’s capability as a sustainable and eco-friendly solution, improving crop yields, reducing the cost of eliminating golden apple snails
in paddy fields, and decreasing reliance on chemical pesticides,’ it said.
Notable attendees included Technology Depository Agency (TDA) chairman Sim Tze Zin, TDA chief executive officer Dr Sharoul Jambari, Malaysian Resources Corporation Berhad (MRCB) executive vice-president Datuk Dell Akbar Khan, and MADA general manager Kamarudin Dahuli.
Representatives from MRCB-Setia Utama LRT 3 Sdn Bhd (MRCB-SULRT3), Prasarana Malaysia Berhad (Prasarana), and the Northern Corridor Economic Region (NCER) were also present.
The demonstration emphasised PREDITACKS’s role in the Projek Ladang IR 4.0 initiative by MADA, which aims to integrate modern technologies to boost agricultural productivity.
The technology helps farmers scan, forecast, and immobilize golden apple snails, leading to more effective paddy field management.
Field tests conducted by UTP researcher Nurshazlyn Mohd Aszemi revealed that PREDITACKS can eliminate more than 75 per cent of golden apple snails within a 100-meter radius.
‘More importantly, i
t is designed to be safe for other species, targeting only the golden apple snails and preserving the natural ecosystem,’ the statement read.
Discussions during the visit also explored the potential for broader deployment of PREDITACKS for farmer use. The collective commitment from all stakeholders aims to make this technology widely accessible across Malaysia.
‘The successful demonstration marks a key milestone in the advancement of innovative and sustainable agricultural practices.
‘With continued collaboration and support, PREDITACKS is set to become a crucial tool in combating golden apple snail infestations, contributing to the prosperity and sustainability of Malaysia’s paddy fields,’ the statement said.
Source: BERNAMA News Agency
