Govt says no to Risda’s ketum proposal

PUTRAJAYA: The proposal by Risda, the Rubber Industries Smallholders Development Authority, for the Government to allow rubber smallholders to plant ketum trees has been rejected, announced Datuk Seri Ismail Sabri Yaakob.

The Rural and Regional Development Minister said he decided on this after a briefing by the authority revealed that allowing ketum trees to be planted commercially would be more detrimental than good.

“We are aware this is meant for export and allowing smallholders to plant ketum trees will result in them having extra income.

“But the negative effect of this proposal is more than the advantages it will bring. Therefore, the ministry has decided not to approve Risda’s proposal,” he told a media conference after the briefing.

Ismail Sabri said that expert views from the Health, Education and Home ministries were sought before the decision was made.

Risda chairman Datuk Zabidi Zainul Abidin was quoted as saying that they would seek the green light from the Government to allow the planting of ketum trees, which are highly sought after by pharmaceutical companies in the United States and Europe.

In Kuala Lumpur, Datuk Seri Dr Ahmad Zahid Hamidi issued a warning to Risda saying it should stop the polemic on ketum as it brings more detriment than good.

The Home Ministry attended a briefing session together with experts from the Health Ministry and the police narcotics’ department, and decided that despite its benefits, ketum leaves could cause addiction and trigger certain illnesses, he said after attending Media Prima’s Hari Raya Open House at the Sime Darby Convention Centre here yesterday.

The ketum leaves, however, could still be studied for scientific purposes, Dr Ahmad Zahid said.

Ketum became infamous in 2003 due to its mitragynine properties which could cause addiction.

It has long been used in traditional medicine for women after labour, to expel wind and cure back pain.

However, ketum broth has been misused and sold to general consumers, especially teenagers, who consume it to get high.