Tap Sabah’s herbal potential: Kurup

Bernard Yaang, Daily Ekspress: 24/6/01

KOTA KINABALU: In anticipation for growing worldwide demand for natural medicines and nutritional products, including pharmaceuticals, estimated to reach US$200 billion by the year 2008, the Federal Government has accorded high priority to the herbal industry.

Resource Development Minister Tan Sri Joseph Kurup said the industry is now one of eighth principal national activities being pursued to meet the economic challenges of the country, as outlined by the National Economic Action Council (NEAC).

"The challenge is now with the private sector, both domestic and international, to accept it and put their resources together to carry out necessary R&D (Research and Development) works," he said.

He said during an agreement signing ceremony to officially appoint Grace Healthcare Sdn. Bhd as sole distributor of Evergreen Life Sdn. Bhd. here, Saturday.

Kurup said some 80 per cent of the medical and nutritional herbs and herbal products presently consumed in Malaysia are imported and, therefore, it is incumbent for the State to exploit and benefit from this untapped local resource.

"The Sabah Forestry Department has collected approximately 1,500 plants species, out of which some 250 species have been identified as having medicinal value, while 80 per cent of the plants species are indigenous," he said.

Similarly, Sabah Parks has carried out an inventory of some 12,000 specimens of plants and herbs found in State’s six national parks, of which 3,400 specimens have been identified to have food and medicinal value.

"If we visit the open bazaars or ‘tamu’ in Sabah, we can find whole host of local medicinal and nutritional herbs being sold, such as Taud, Tongkat Ali, Mengkudu, Kokos, Sapang, Tampan, Temulawa, Temburau, Gaangon, Bulungkut, Giman-giman, Majakani, Mata Ayam, Rumput Fatimah and so on," he said. Kurup said the estimate covers only vitamins, minerals, Royal Jelly, Propolis, garlic, Echinacea, Gingko and Evening Primrose oil.

"This shows that Malaysians are consuming more health supplements and opting for foodstuffs low in salt, sugar and fat content.

"The Health Ministry is also actively promoting healthcare campaigns such as the Health Families campaign to ensure a healthier population, " he said.