KOTA SAMARAHAN: Sarawak’s rich biodiversity resources can be utilised to produce high-value health products, alongside applications in the cosmetic and pharmaceutical industries.
Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said the state possessed vast biodiversity resources that could be transformed into natural-based health products through scientific research and innovation.
“There is a supplement known as Lactobacillus which contains natural ingredients, with the help of good bacteria that can contribute to health.
“The product is sold worldwide, has high demand and is a type of health supplement. I believe we have many biodiversity resources that can be developed into health products,” he said.
He said this in his speech during the Foundation Laying and Exchange of Agreements ceremony for Sarawak Bioindustrial Park (SBP) here today.
Abang Johari said research could be undertaken through engagement with local communities, particularly those with traditional knowledge of specific plant species found in Sarawak.
“The resources must then be scientifically studied before the research findings can be applied,” he said.
He said SBP would serve as a continuation of the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre’s efforts in conducting research through engagement with local communities, enabling research findings to be translated into commercial applications.
“This will enable processing plants to be established at the Sarawak Bioindustrial Park to apply the research findings from the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre,” he said.
Meanwhile, eight strategic collaboration agreements and Memoranda of Understanding (MoUs) involving BioVerde Technologies Sdn Bhd (BVT) and industry players were exchanged during the ceremony, signalling strong early market confidence in SBP.
The agreements cover pharmaceutical manufacturing, sustainable waste management, functional food production, cellular therapies, regenerative medicine, sago-based products, certification and industrial testing.
Among the collaborations, Twin Catalyst Sdn Bhd will explore establishing a pharmaceutical-grade production facility at SBP for healthcare products including sterile saline, intravenous fluids, glucose solutions and haemodialysis-related fluids.
Fly Technology Agriculture Sdn Bhd (WormingUp) will advance black soldier fly (BSF) bioconversion to transform organic waste into BSF larvae, protein meal, organic fertilisers, and circular waste-management solutions.
Pawada Sdn Bhd will develop a functional food manufacturing facility using local agricultural resources, including pepper and poultry-derived ingredients, to produce value-added organic products.
The other collaborations involve Bioeconomy Corporation, Normah Medical Specialist Centre, CRAUN Research Sdn Bhd, Control Union Malaysia and SIRIM Berhad, covering cellular biofoundry development, regenerative medicine, sago-based functional foods, certification, traceability, ESG assurance, industrial standards testing and technical support.
The foundation-laying ceremony also marked the start of construction of SBP’s Central Hub, the core facility within the park’s 100-acre masterplan, which is scheduled for completion within 24 months.
