KUALA LUMPUR, 19 May 2026 – Researchers from Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) introduced an innovative ecological pest management system at the International Invention, Innovation and Technology Exhibition 2026, reflecting a sustainable and technology-driven approach to rodent control within agricultural ecosystems.

Developed by Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasber Salim from the School of Biological Sciences, the innovation, TITO BOX® v3 integrated with ECHO-A, combines adaptive habitat engineering with species-specific acoustic attraction technology to strengthen biological rodent control using barn owls as natural predators.

The upgraded system integrates ECHO-A, or Ecological Call and Habitat Observation Attraction module, into the existing TITO BOX® platform. Unlike conventional nesting structures that rely solely on natural occupancy, the system actively enhances habitat recognition and attraction through bioacoustic mechanisms tailored to barn owl behaviour. The advancement of adaptive barn owl calling elements was further enriched through collaborative discussions, field observations and secondary school student-led exploratory activities conducted together with the USAINS team under the Young Scientist Program (YSP@USAINS), including innovation exposure and research-sharing sessions showcased in Japan.  

According to Dr. Hasber, sustainable agricultural technologies must strengthen ecological balance rather than depend heavily on chemical interventions.

“The future of sustainable agriculture depends on how effectively we restore ecological relationships that industrial practices have gradually weakened. Technology should strengthen natural systems, not replace them,” he said.

Designed for deployment across rice fields, plantations, hilly terrains, and solar farm environments, the system offers a practical and environmentally responsible solution for managing rodent infestations while reducing long-term pesticide dependency. The innovation also incorporates ecological monitoring capabilities that support field observation and long-term habitat management.

The project reflects growing collaboration between academia and industry, involving BORG USM, USAINS Holdings Sdn. Bhd., and Quantum Agri Sdn. Bhd. Earlier versions of the TITO BOX® system have already been utilised by organisations including MPOGCF, Yayasan Hasanah, and BERNAS, demonstrating its progression from research development into industry-linked implementation.

Meanwhile, Vice-Chancellor of USM, Professor Dato' Seri Ir. Dr. Abdul Rahman Mohamed, described the innovation as a strong example of science-driven sustainability with direct industry and environmental relevance.

“Innovations such as TITO BOX® v3 integrated with ECHO-A demonstrate how research can translate ecological science into practical solutions that support sustainable agriculture, environmental resilience, and long-term industry needs,” he said.

The exhibition of the innovation at ITEX 2026 reinforces USM’s continued commitment to impactful research that integrates scientific practicality, sustainability, and adaptive technological innovation in addressing contemporary environmental challenges.

Source: Assoc. Prof. Dr. Hasber Salim, School of Biological Sciences, USM/Text: PrivinKumar Jayavanan, Media & Public Relations Centre (MPRC), USM/Editing: Associate Professor Dr. Shaik Abdul Malik Mohamed Ismail, Senior Editorial Consultant @MPRC USM