PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s trove of medicinal and aromatic plants offers a golden opportunity for groundbreaking research and conservation, say environmental experts.
According to them, there is immense potential in the country’s natural heritage.
This is particularly significant as the theme of this year’s World Wildlife Day, which falls on Tuesday, is “Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”.
World Wildlife Day, which is designated by the United Nations, highlights the need to protect species essential to human health, preserve traditional knowledge and maintain vital ecosystems.
Malaysian Ecological Association president Prof Dr Ahmad Ismail noted that while the country is exceptionally rich in these plant species, there is significant room to expand research and formalise the study of these natural treasures.
By increasing focus on these species, Malaysia can better safeguard them against exploitation while unlocking new benefits for medicine and science.
“Most botanists do not work closely with Orang Asli communities to document traditional knowledge. Many studies don’t go beyond superficial identification.
“If we don’t know the species or their ecological features, including their behaviour, how are we going to protect or conserve them?”
Besides being illegally harvested, various high-value species such as agarwood – also known as gaharu in Malaysia – are also smuggled by syndicates.
Agarwood is a fragrant, dark, resinous wood that forms in the heart of the tree trunk. It is used in the production of incense, perfume and other consumer products. The high quality of agarwood can command a hefty price in the black market.
“Forest shrinkage, pollution and climate change are among the issues contributing to wildlife extinction.
“To better mitigate these issues, Malaysia needs more trained taxonomists and ecologists to strengthen biodiversity research,” said Prof Ahmad.
Echoing the same view, forestry researcher Dr Teckwyn Lim described Malaysia as a “herbal goldmine” with an estimated 2,000 medicinal plant species.
“Malaysia has more medicinal plants compared to many other countries.
“Among commonly known species are Tongkat Ali, often used in tonic drinks, Kacip Fatimah for women’s health, and agarwood.
“Even the Bintangor tree in Sabah is also being studied for potential pharmaceutical properties,” said Lim, an adjunct professor at Nottingham University.
He said many medicinal and aromatic plants lack direct legal protection, as there is still insufficient research to properly document their value and conservation status.
Lim explained that stronger scientific data would help support policy decisions, including the need for clearer legal protection for certain plant species.
Currently, the laws in Sabah and Sarawak specifically address the protection of plants, a distinction not found in the laws of Peninsular Malaysia, Lim said.
“Not all researchers are equipped to conduct such studies. It requires expertise in ethnobotany and close engagement with small Orang Asli communities who possess traditional knowledge of these plants.”
While government funding is available for universities to conduct research involving Orang Asli communities, he said greater support should be channelled toward more specialised studies.
