Herbs Estates to Help Malaysia be Key Exporter

KUANTAN: Pahang has opened up herbs estates at dozen locations state-wide as part of efforts to make Malaysia a key exporter of herbal products, said Deputy Menteri Besar Datuk Tan Mohamed Aminudin Ishak.

The state Agriculture Department had been tasked with developing altogether 193 ha of land set aside for that purpose as Pahang would not want to be left out in commercially exploiting its herbs industry potentials, he said.

"Herbs cultivation is also a crop diversification strategy to cushion off the effects of plunging prices of rubber and palm oil which local farmers have been reliant," he told reporters after opening a "know-our-herbs" promotional campaign here last night.

The FAMA-organised promotion from May 26 to 29 highlighted herbal products made in Pahang and outside the state.

Tan Mohamed said Pahang welcomed individuals and companies to venture into herbs cultivation and processing so as to make the most of an industry estimated to be worth RM4.55 billion.

Herbal remedies alone were worth RM2 billion, herbal pharmaceuticals and nutraceuticals RM950 million and taste-enhancers and aromatics, RM1.6 billion, he added.-Bernama

Borneo Mail: 28/5/01