Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) will conduct research on the use of oil palm waste materials in the construction industry.

The university's Engineering Faculty will work with Gamalux Oils Sdn Bhd to investigate the use of De-Oiled Bleaching Earth (DOBE), a byproduct of palm oil production, in soil stabilisation and concrete production.

Its dean, Associate Professor Dr Ismail Saad, said the use of DOBE as a material in the construction industry was believed to be capable of reducing the amount of waste generated in the palm oil production process.

He claimed that this would also benefit the environment.

"However, further research is needed to understand the implications of using DOBE in soil stabilisation and concrete production to ensure that the produced concrete meets the specified standards," he said in a statement.

Ismail added that the faculty was also conducting research on waste materials such as plastic, tyres and glass to be used as materials in the production of paver blocks.

He said the engineering faculty had established a research unit called the Green Material and Advanced Construction Technology Research Unit that focused on research related to green materials for use in the construction industry.

At the letter of intent signing event, the faculty was represented by Ismail and Gamalux Oils by its plant facilities head, James Thiruchelvam.