By Amanda L
KUCHING, Nov 25: A native plant long regarded as a common weed is now being repositioned as a strategic component of Sarawak’s livestock health management as the State moves to harness its biodiversity for agricultural and economic gain.
Minister for Education, Innovation and Talent Development (MEITD) Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee said sipudun (Picria fel-terrae), traditionally recognised by the Bidayuh community, illustrates how neglected local flora can be transformed into valuable agricultural assets, citing its widespread growth in kampung areas such as Semedang, Semuti and Timurang along Penrissen Road and Jalan Puncak Borneo.
“Previously, people simply cut and discarded it. To them, it was like a weed. The plant is now being studied for its ability to combat parasitic worms in livestock, at a time when resistance to synthetic deworming drugs is becoming an increasing global concern,” he said at a press conference following a memorandum of understanding between the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) and the Sarawak Department of Veterinary Services to develop natural anthelmintic products here, today.
Sagah said the State will not pursue large-scale plantations, opting instead for a community-based cultivation model where villagers grow sipudun and supply raw materials directly to SBC, creating new income opportunities for rural households.
“We prefer that local communities cultivate it. SBC will purchase the raw materials from them,” he added.
While sipudun has long featured in traditional remedies, Sagah cautioned against its use for human consumption due to the lack of standardised dosage guidelines.
“I do not encourage anyone to take it because dosage is not established,” he said.
Minister for Food Industry, Commodity and Regional Development (MFICORD) Dato Sri Dr Stephen Rundi Utom said the discovery underscores Sarawak’s untapped biodiversity potential and its relevance to international livestock markets.
“The active compounds are important, especially for countries like Australia and New Zealand where livestock rely heavily on anthelmintic treatment,” he said, noting that sipudun is native only to parts of Southeast Asia.
He added that the plant is currently not listed as protected, but regulatory measures may be considered should commercial demand increase significantly.
“If future research shows substantial value and demand grows, we may explore protective measures,” Rundi said.
Sagah also highlighted recent amendments to the Sarawak Biodiversity Ordinance that will allow SBC to establish a commercial arm to oversee marketing and commercialisation, while ensuring continued community participation.
“The plant will be cultivated by the communities, not by the government. We want them to benefit through income generation and improved livelihoods,” he stressed. —DayakDaily
