by DayakDaily Team
KUCHING, Nov 5: The local Engkerebai plant, scientifically known as Psychotria viridiflora, could soon find its way into luxury cosmetic products following groundbreaking research by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
According to the findings, Engkerebai possesses skin-lightening and anti-aging properties, positioning it as a potential natural ingredient for high-end skincare formulations.
In a report by Sarawak Public Communication Unit (UKAS), Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn described the discovery as both a scientific milestone and an economic opportunity that could boost Sarawak’s role in the global natural cosmetics industry.
With the global cosmetics market currently estimated to be worth RM347.8 billion this year and expected to increase to RM648.6 billion by 2032, he said Sarawak must seize this opportunity.
He added that the discovery marks an important step in Sarawak’s efforts to utilise the Sarawak’s biodiversity to generate added value to the economy.
“The findings from the research on Engkerebai are the most exciting aspect but more than just a scientific achievement, these findings form the basis for the development of high-value commercial products.
“We must recognise the huge economic potential that this rapidly growing cosmetics industry holds,” he said when speaking at the signing ceremony of the Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) between SBC and five Iban communities in Kuching and the SBC 2025 Annual Dinner here on Tuesday.
Sagah also called for continued collaboration between scientific institutions and local communities to ensure that that products based on traditional knowledge from Sarawak or produced in Sarawak is preserved and translated into tangible benefits.
He pointed out that Engkerebai’s participation in the BSA proves how traditional knowledge continues to play an important role in driving scientific research as well as promoting conservation, innovation and community empowerment local.
“One way to ensure this preservation is by translating traditional knowledge into marketable and commercialised products, thus integrating it into a comprehensive healthcare system,” he said.
At the event, SBC signed the fourth BSA Agreement with five Iban communities from Rumah Bajau (Julau), Rumah Lembang (Pakan), Rumah Machup (Roban), Karangan Mong (Lubok Antu) and Kampung Rapak Tebus (Pantu). – DayakDaily
