Sabah has distinct Noni advantage
: Firm
KOTA KINABALU : The Sabah Institute For Small and Medium
Enterprise is organising a one day seminar on investment opportunities in the noni
(Morinda Citrifolia) fruit industry in Sabah on March 9, at Promenade Hotel, here.
Noni or locally known as mengkudu fruit is found in
abundance in the forest and rural wastelands of Sabah.
It was found to contain numerous active ingredients and
health-related compounds such as protein, vitamin A and C, potassium, calcium and
proxeronine. These active ingredients can act as anti-bacteria, anti-oxidant and
anti-inflammatory agents.
They can improve the digestive system, enhance blood
circulation, reduce high blood pressure and strengthen the body immune system.
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According to IPKS Chairman and Managing Director, Dr. Mohd
Yaakub Hj. Johari, in a statement Monday, there is tremendous scope for the participation
of Sabah entrepreneurs in the production and processing of health related nature-based
products, such as in the production and processing of noni or mengkudu juice. Increasing environmental awareness globally have led to increasing
popularity of nature-based products.
In this regard, Sabah clearly has a distinct and strategic
advantage, given its rich natural biodiversity and favourable climatic conditions, he
said.
Entrepreneurs in Sabah, especially the small and medium
enterprises should therefore fully avail themselves of opportunities in his new industry.
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| During the seminar, five working papers will
be presented by experienced speakers in the agro-based industry. They include speakers
from the Agriculture Department, Mardi, Sirim, Fama and Bank Pertanian Malaysia. In conjunction with the seminar, Marditech Corporation and KPS Sdn. Bhd.
Will execute a technology licensing agreement authorising KPS to process noni-related
products in accordance in the technological expertise provided by Marditech Corporation.
Thereafter, KPS will launch two noni in the form of mengkudu capsules, to be produced and
marketed under the brand name of Borneo Farm Natural Products.
Marditech Corporation is a wholly owned subsidiary of Mardi
while KPS Sdn Bhd is a joint-venture company involving the Sabah Institute For Small and
Medium Enterprise (IPKS), CBS Sdn Bhd which is a wholly owned subsidiary of IDS (Sabah)
and private sector group.
Source: Daily Express, 7 March 2000 |