Use technology to tap bioeconomic potential: Minister

Sabah’s flora and fauna biodiversity is not only famous but yields many benefits.

However, it has to be harvested effectively so that the benefits can have a positive impact for the state and its people.

Deputy Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Mohammad Yusof Apdal said while residents have long reaped its benefits, many still rely on the old model of selling the products in their raw form.

The Lahad Datu MP said they need to realise that profits could increase significantly if the raw products were processed into bioeconomic products, including in the pharmaceutical and high-technology agricultural sectors.

“I see so much bioeconomic potential in Sabah. In terms of expertise, interests, we have everything but the one issue is that we don’t use science and technology to our benefit. Forest and palm oil products, for instance, when we sell them for a profit, we’re already happy, but it can’t always be this way.

“Don’t just sell, we need to explore and benefit from science and technology, especially biotechnology to expand our business, don’t get too comfortable with the way we do business but innovate to continue to move into the future.”

He said his ministry and its agency, the Malaysian Bioeconomy Development Corporation (Bioeconomy Corporation), were always open to any entrepreneur requiring assistance to expand their business in the field of bioeconomy, and have prepared various facilities, including funds, training and expertise, to interested parties.

“The potential is very high but we hope that people don’t just listen and watch, if entrepreneurs or companies have bioeconomic ties, come see us, there are lots of facilities, especially for Sabahans. Let’s explore them together,” he said.

He added that the recent 2024 Bioeconomic Roadshow was conducted to spread information and seek out bioeconomic entrepreneurs.

Mohammad Yusof said Bioeconomy Corporation has guided 28 companies under the BioNexus and Bio-based Accelerator, with companies benefiting from certification, laboratory tests, commercialisation, exemptions, intellectual property, training and innovation.

According to the Sabah Biodiversity Centre, Borneo has over 12,000 species of plants, with over 4,000 of them trees, together with Mount Kinabalu being one of the most biodiverse areas in Sabah, having 234 identified plant species and thousands more in the research stage.