Feasibility assessment of agricultural biomass residues in Malaysia and Asia for fermentable sugars (biosugars) feedstock

Agricultural biomass residues constitute a substantial renewable resource for the generation of fermentable sugars, or biosugars, which serve as essential precursors for the development of sustainable biofuels and biochemicals. Malaysia and Asia are characterized by an extensive array of agricultural biomass indicating its excellence in agricultural sector. Nevertheless, this abundance of biomass causes considerable challenges in the management of the resulting waste. Globally, the annual production of agricultural waste reaches 998 million tons, with Malaysia alone contributes approximately 10 millions tons of this waste to landfills each year. In fact, a total of 15 % of the waste generated in Asia is categorized as agro-waste. Agricultural biomass can be effectively utilized as a primary alternative substrate for synthesizing biofuels and biobased chemicals. Through the implementation of a circular bioeconomy approach, the region stands poised for conversion agricultural byproducts into invaluable resources, thereby advancing sustainability and catalyzing economic proliferation. This review aims to critically assess the current status of the practicality of harnessing agricultural biomass residues originating from Malaysia and Asia region, emphasizing their capacity to satisfy the escalating requirements for renewable feedstocks. It is also aimed at elucidating the pivotal role of agricultural biomass as the feedstock in the production of fermentable sugars. The contemporary advancements and prospective trajectories in the fermentable sugar production derived from agricultural biomass are likewise examined.