Kuala lumpur: Malaysia is globally recognized as a major producer of agarwood derived from natural forests, yet the crucial karas tree species, responsible for producing this valuable resin, faces significant threats due to overexploitation and widespread misconceptions about its production process.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Dr. Abd Majid Jalil, a research officer at the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia (FRIM), emphasized that not all karas trees yield agarwood. The resin forms only after the tree undergoes specific chemical reactions triggered by stress. Misunderstandings have led to the wrongful felling of karas trees, which has contributed to the species' decline. Furthermore, these misconceptions are exploited by some parties who sell karas seedlings as agarwood seedlings, misleading buyers about the true nature of resin formation.
Agarwood, an aromatic resin with high market value, is extensively used in the perfume industry, religious ceremonies, and aromatic wood burning, particularly in Middle Eastern and Asian regions. It forms naturally when the karas tree (Aquilaria spp.) is subjected to injuries from fungal attacks, insects, or other disturbances. Dr. Abd Majid urged the public to be cautious of purchasing 'agaharu seedlings' without understanding the complex process involved in producing quality resin.
Dr. Abd Majid further explained that the main karas tree species known for producing agarwood include Aquilaria malaccensis, A. crassna, A. sinensis, A. rugosa, A. microcarpa, A. hirta, A. beccariana, and A. rostrata. However, these species are increasingly scarce in Peninsular Malaysia. Due to their vulnerability, the Aquilaria species are listed under Appendix II of the Convention on International Trade in Endangered Species of Wild Fauna and Flora (CITES) and on the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red List.
Meanwhile, FRIM, with its 25-year track record of researching agarwood, continues to offer technical services and guidance to entrepreneurs and communities to enhance understanding of resin production and promote sustainable management of karas trees. As a national leader in forest research, FRIM is dedicated to advancing biodiversity conservation and fostering a competitive agarwood industry through scientific and innovative methods.
"Awareness and accurate knowledge about the karas tree and agarwood products are very important to ensure that this resource can be utilised sustainably without affecting the survival of the species," Dr. Abd Majid concluded.