ALOR STAR – Kedah is bent on getting the approval of federal government for the state to export ketum leaves abroad especially to Thailand, said Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor.
He said the state government had ordered the State Economic Planning Division to carry out engagement sessions with all agencies concerned to obtain their views for submission to the federal government.
“I will make the request after listening to the briefings of enforcement agencies such as police, Malaysian Armed Forces, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, and others in the State Security Permanent Committee meeting.
“The issue of smuggling can be overcome if there are special guidelines to enable the commodity to be exported legally. The widespread smuggling activities along the border of the state with Thailand are because the leaves are highly demanded in the neighbouring country,” he said when contacted here today.
He was asked to comment on the statement by Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin today that the ministry would not allow the export of ketum leaves as it is against the Poisons Act 1952.
Sanusi said the export of ketum leaves was rightfully curbed previously as it had become a replacement substance for marijuana and other drugs, but the latest technology has found the leaves’ benefits, as they can be turned into health and medical products.
“There are hundreds, maybe thousands of hectares of the plant in Kedah alone, marketed illegally at a loss to the government,” he said.
Sanusi said the government had used financial resources and many civil servants to prevent ketum smuggling at the border when it could be addressed by allowing the commodity to be exported.
He said the Home Ministry should focus on the abuse of ketum leaves as a drink, which affects national health.
“The federal government should consider wisely. The ministry can obtain complete reports from the agencies under it for confirmation,” he said. – Bernama, March 17, 2022
