MUAR: The Nasuha Herbs and Spice Farm, touted as the biggest spice farm in Asia, has been placed in the tourism calendar to be promoted as a tourist spot.

Culture, Arts and Tourism Minister Datuk Paduka Abdul Kadir Sheikh Fadzir said the 500 ha farm, located near the Pagoh toll plaza, had over 130 species of spice plants and facilities to attract domestic and international tourists.

"We are proud to know that Malaysia has such a farm and that it is managed by a local entrepreneur. Such an entrepreneurial spirit is what Prime Minister Datuk Seri Dr. Mahathir Mohamad wants from bumiputras," he said after opening the Nasuha Herbs and Spice Museum yesterday.

Kadir said the farm, which started from a mere 20 ha plot of land, had developed into Asia’s biggest spice and herbs farm and now produced 60 types of spices for export. Most of the spice and herb plants grown at the farm were from other countries, including many from the temperate regions, he said.

The farm success, he said, also showed that there was nothing Malaysians could not do if they just put their hearts and commitment in their undertaking.

"No one will believe we can grow spice trees from Europe in Malaysia, but the farm here has shown that it can be done," he said.

Since the farm also had a museum and a factory, he said, the ministry would promote it as an educational tourist attraction among students, including those from overseas.

"We can attract students from Singapore, Taiwan, Japan and other countries to visit this farm and learn about spices and herbs here," he added.

Farm managing director Nasuha Kesian said he spent more than RM 1 mil to build the spice and herb museum and equipped it with eight chalets and a restaurant. He said the museum located on a 2 ha site at the farm’s main entrance, exhibited spices and herbs grown and produced there.

"We export most of our products to the United States, Europe and the Middle East and now plan to export a herbal tea soon," he added.