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BUTTERWORTH – At least three districts in Penang have been identified as areas where the banned ketum is cultivated, covering a total of some 40ha.
The plant is said to fetch a higher price than commercial crops, and ketum juice, which purportedly has medicinal properties, is in great demand in the region, as well as across the Thai border.
The areas where the plant is cultivated in Penang are located around Juru, Tasek Gelugor, Penaga and Nibong Tebal, and largely hidden from public view.
These farms, each measuring at least 0.2ha, are estimated to yield up to 50 tonnes of ketum, with a market value of up to RM1 million, per harvest.
Ketum is also being planted in padi fields, which are difficult for vehicles to access. The Vibes, however, was able to identify one such area.
Ironically, a 1ha ketum farm is located next to a sugarcane project by the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry.
A National Anti-Drugs Agency official said most of the ketum grown in Penang is meant for the local market, and a pack of processed leaves is sold for as low as RM5.
“The largest ketum processing facility we have ever raided was in Permatang Rawa, Bukit Mertajam. It is understood that the owners of the ketum plantations around Seberang Prai Tengah would send their produce there, before it was sold openly, or smuggled.”
In 2019, then state exco Afif Bahardin suggested that the federal government formulate a law on the use and ownership of ketum as a crop to boost the nation’s income.
He had said Penang was ready to serve as a hub for the study and commercialisation of ketum-related products.
Ketum can be grown only by officials from certain statutory bodies, according to a November 2019 amendment to the Poisons Act 1952.
A villager, who wanted to be known only as Abdullah, said ketum farmers earn between RM3,000 and RM5,000 a month.
He said the leaves are usually bought by middlemen, who then sell to syndicates.
“For the villagers, planting ketum is not an offence, because if you depend only on padi, you cannot support your family. Also, this crop is considered ‘normal’.”
It was reported that Universiti Sains Malaysia researchers are studying the possibility of using ketum as a painkiller and to treat drug addiction.
They are also looking to develop from the plant medication to treat bacterial infections common among HIV-positive drug users.
Research carried out on ketum since the 1960s have identified 57 compounds from various species of the plant. Of the total, 37 are unique alkaloid types.
Studies have shown that the effects of ketum are different from morphine.
Known locally as “daun biak”, ketum is traditionally used to treat cough, diarrhoea, skin infection, and opium withdrawals.
The plant is found in abundance in the northern and east coast states of the peninsula.
Drug addicts have reportedly abused ketum as its leaves contain psychoactive ingredients that trigger stimulation, sedation and euphoria.
In 2003, ketum was placed under the Poisons Act, making it a crime to possess, grow and consume it. Those found guilty face a fine not exceeding RM10,000, or four years’ imprisonment, or both.
Thailand, Myanmar and Australia, too, have included ketum in their drug laws. – The Vibes, January 16, 2021
