Kuala lumpur: Popularising Research and Development (R and D) through a technological approach forms the basis of the Forest Research Institute of Malaysia's (FRIM) mission to produce rural entrepreneurs in high-potential sectors such as the herbal industry.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, FRIM director-general Datuk Dr. Ismail Parlan stated that the institute, through its Empowering Community-Based Herbal Products initiative, aimed to share its expertise with entrepreneurs interested in developing herbal products, thereby helping to boost the local economy. He emphasized that when herbal-based products are developed through R and D, public confidence in purchasing them increases. The initiative seeks to ensure that the public enjoys the benefits of FRIM's research findings, particularly given the substantial financial investments in R and D.
The challenge of sourcing herbal plants from forests has led to the establishment of herbal farms to support the industry. The herbal industry holds strong potential in both domestic and international markets, aligning with the National Agrofood Policy 2.0 (DAN 2.0), which aims to increase production with quality yields through enhanced productivity. However, rural communities face issues such as limited access to modern technology and market opportunities, which this initiative aims to address by stimulating the local economy, reducing dependence on imports, and popularising research findings.
Participants of the initiative receive hands-on training in various aspects of herbal product development, including planting, farm operations, product processing, packaging, labeling, and marketing, particularly using the elite Kacip Fatimah clone, FaFaF01, to generate income and boost the local economy. FaFaF01, developed by FRIM scientists, is known for its high bioactive content and suitability for health and food products.
FRIM also provides periodic technical and practical training, support in label and packaging design, and continuous technical monitoring and advisory services. The institute's Herbal Technology Centre (HTC) verifies the authenticity of herbs, ensuring that products are Halal-certified and comply with Good Manufacturing Practices (GMP), with approval from the Ministry of Health (MOH).
The initiative is supported by FELCRA Bhd, which facilitates coordination for cooperatives and community participants, with community cooperatives playing a crucial role in operations and product development. Support is also provided by the Agriculture Department, institutions of higher learning, the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, and MOH in areas such as marketing, financing, and standard compliance.
FRIM Plant Breeding Programme head Dr. Farah Fazwa Md Ariff highlighted that the initiative has achieved milestones such as winning the 2024 Aspirasi Desa MADANI Award and being nominated for national-level awards. The cooperative's income has increased by 30 percent annually, with stable local market demand, and herbal farms have been established over approximately five hectares across several locations.
The initiative has also increased the involvement of women and youth, fostering interest in bioentrepreneurship and strengthening the cooperative's role as a community-based economic entity. FRIM remains committed to supporting local small and medium entrepreneurs in seizing opportunities in the herbal industry, projected to reach a global market value of RM1.6 trillion by 2030.
Community-based associations or cooperatives interested in herbal plantations or developing herbal-based products can contact FRIM at [email protected] for further information.