By BERNAMA
Nabisarr Mustan
Local cosmetics and health product entrepreneurs have been urged to step up their game by going for herbal extracts of their own, rather than secure it from abroad.
Cambridge Herbal Sdn Bhd founder Nabisarr Mustan said Malaysia is known for its abundant natural resources, particularly herbs.
“It is well known as a major producer of natural resources such as lemongrass, galangal, ginger, oak gall and Tongkat Ali, for use in traditional medicine.
“Despite this, there have been few moves to take advantage of these resources by exploring opportunities for local extraction,” she added.
She said industry players have been selling local raw materials for extraction purposes outside the country and ironically, bought it back in the form of extracts that cost more, due to it being transacted in the US dollar.
“There are only two known local businesses involved in herbal extracts and that too on a small scale. They are unable to cater to rising demand from the Malaysian cosmetics and health sector,” she told Bernama.
Nabisarr said a kilogramme of lemongrass oil extract in the open market for example, is about RM500.
“But then, raw lemongrass is cheap and easily available in the country.
Thus, it is also important for local cosmetics and health players to team-up with the biotechnology industry to assist in the extraction process.
“This will significantly reduce the production cost and price of the lemongrass extract. This also applies to other natural resources,” she added.
Commenting on the natural resources available in Malaysia, she said due to the lack of clinical trials and analysis, many have not been given due recognition or certification.
Cambridge Herbal was established in 2011. It is involved in consulting, research and development and contract manufacturing of medicine and beauty products.
More recently, it launched the Bumiputera Graduate Unemployed Scheme (Bagus) to spur the growth of bio-entrepreneurs.
Under the scheme, the company will assist Bumiputera graduates keen on being involved in the cosmetics and herbal-based medicine industry.
With a target of 1,000 participants, Nabisarr said the young graduates would be guided in their business plan and via a monitoring process.
“We will provide the assistance until they are able to export their products overseas,” she added.
— by Harizah Hanim Mohamed
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