ALOR SETAR: The Forestry Department may license the extraction of natural resources for the RM2 billion traditional medicine industry of such resources.

Its Director-General Datuk Zul Mukhshar Datuk Mohamamed Shaari said yesterday the move would prevent the extinction of such resources.

He was speaking to reporters after attending the opening of the Forestry Directors’ meeting by Menteri Besar Tan Sri Sanusi Junid, here.

"We don’t want to kill the industry but want to ensure the supply of raw materials from the forest its sustained," he said.

He said the industry should venture into planting medicinal herbs for its long-term supply.

Malaysia recorded RM2 billion in traditional medicines sales last year and the figure was on the rise this year too.

The most common traditional medicines being much in demand were Tongkat Ali (Eurycoma Longifolia) and Kacip Fatimah (Labisia Pumila), both widely known for enhancing health and sexual prowess.

T present licenses are only required for the extraction of timber, rattan and bamboo.

Under Section 15 of the National Forestry Act 1984, anybody found guilty of extracting forest products without a license can be fined up to RM500,000.

Zul Mukhshar said Malaysia had developed the traditional medicines industry successfully and needs to look into sustaining the supply of raw materials now.

He also said that the International Tropical Timber Organisation (ITTO) had recognized Malaysia as capable of achieving the ITTO Year 2000 Resolution which stipulates that timber can only be exported from an industry where there was sustainable forest management-Bernama.