Juanda: Protect Jemoreng Forest for its sekiu trees which produce oil sold for up to RM1,500 per 1.5L

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MATU, July 19: Jemoreng Forest is home to a wide range of unique plant and animal species, in particular the “sekiu” tree which has kernel seeds which yield sekiu oil, an edible natural oil with high content of monounsaturated omega-9 fatty acid, that can fetch up to RM1,500 for 1.5 litres.

Deputy Minister in the Premier of Sarawak’s Department (Integrity and Ombudsman) Dato Dr Juanda Jaya emphasised that Jemoreng Forest must be protected and managed well because the sekiu trees are only found there. 

“There is also a need for it to be expanded to improve the living standards and income sources of the local community.
 
“If sekiu oil is commercialised and promoted to larger markets, it will surely increase the local economy,” he said, noting sekiu oil has grown into an important cottage industry in Matu District near Mukah. 

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According to Sarawak Biodiversity Centre through a report in Borneo Talk magazine, Kampung Jemoreng is home to approximately 3,000 sekiu trees and the local community still uses traditional methods inherited from their ancestors to extract sekiu oil which they use to flavour their food. 

Sekiu oil, which has a bitter taste and almond scent, is not only good for cooking but also considered a healthier source of fat similar to olive oil. It contains 60 per cent oleic acid which studies have found can help in protecting against heart disease by reducing cholesterol and inflammation. 

Among edible oils, olive oil has the highest content of oleic acid (55 to 85 per cent of its total fatty acids), while other edible oils such as soybean, palm and corn contain about 10 to 40 per cent oleic acid. 

The Jemoreng assemblyman, in a news report by Sarawak Public Communications Unit (Ukas), also thanked Forest Department Sarawak (FDS) for choosing Jemoreng Forest for its Scientific Expedition Project this year. 

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the “Menyekak Gu’un Jemoreng” Scientific Expedition held at Kampung Jemoreng Matu community hall last Saturday (16 July), Juanda gave assurance of fullest cooperation and to meet all needs of the department throughout the programme so that its objectives can be achieved. 

Meanwhile, FDS director Datu Hamden Mohammad said the idea to conduct the expedition came following a documentary on sekiu oil production by TVS aired on March 7, 2021. 

“The expedition will run for 14 days until July 29 and the objective is to gather information about the area for protection and gazettement of Jemoreng Forest. 

“It is also to identify and document potential ecotourism products in the surrounding areas,” he said. 

Hamdem also disclosed that an initial study found that some endangered animals including hornbills and herons (burung bangau) are present in Jemoreng Forest. 

Igan MP Ahmad Johnie Zawawi was also present. — DayakDaily