TAMBUNAN: Keningau Member of Parliament Datuk Dr. Jeffrey Kitingan said guarana cultivation in Sabah is now legal and disease-free after studies and tests conducted showed positive results.
This marks the beginning of a promising guarana industry, which is expected to bring economic benefits to the country.
In a special ceremony here, Jeffrey explained that guarana cultivation in Malaysia is now over seven generations old and the latest study shows it does not carry any disease threat.
He said guarana currently planted in Sabah is the result of seeds that have been quarantined for two years, and is free from diseases and infections previously associated with the crop.
“This study is the result of collaboration between government agencies, local universities, and stakeholders.
“We have conducted a comprehensive study on guarana cultivation in Malaysia and found that it does not have any negative effects, and can even be safely grown on our land. Therefore, I encourage all Malaysians who are interested to start cultivating guarana,” said Jeffrey.
Initially he expressed concerns about guarana cultivation due to uncertainty about the health status of the plant.
However, after obtaining certainty through various studies and briefings from the authorities, he is now confident that this industry has great potential.
guarana cultivation also receives full support from the Ministry of Agriculture and Food Industry of Malaysia.
Jeffrey also explained that guarana cultivation in Malaysia is no longer dependent on imported seeds from Brazil as Malaysia has successfully developed local guarana seeds which are now being grown in several areas in Sabah.
“As a new producer, we now have guarana seeds that have been tested and certified safe.
We are no longer dependent on seeds from Brazil because we already have seeds that are grown and raised in Malaysia,” he explained.
He also shared information that studies conducted by Indonesia and in Sarawak itself found that guarana was already present in Borneo before the introduction of seeds from Brazil.
guarana cultivation in Malaysia, especially in Sabah, has been carried out traditionally for over 38 years in agricultural gardens, and has now developed into a commercial crop.
