By DayakDaily Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 2: Sarawak aspires to become a regional hub for integrative medicine by leveraging its rich biodiversity, biomedical research capabilities, and clinical expertise to develop a more comprehensive healthcare ecosystem.
In a Sarawak Public Communication Unit (Ukas) report, Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said that to achieve this, it would require strategic collaboration among research institutions, universities, medical practitioners, and industry partners to ensure scientific discoveries translate into tangible benefits for society.
He said the development of the ecosystem could be driven by three key areas: botanical medicine based on Sarawak’s biodiversity; regenerative medicine and biomedical innovation; and genomics, epigenetics, and personalised medicine.
“I believe Sarawak has the potential to develop this ecosystem through three interconnected areas, each offering opportunities to advance scientific understanding, strengthen local expertise and contribute to future healthcare innovations,” he said at the International Integrative Medicine Conference 2026 (IIMC 2026) here on Monday.
On botanical medicine, Abang Johari said Sarawak’s rich biodiversity and the traditional knowledge of its indigenous communities provided an important foundation for expanding research into plants with potential medicinal applications.
He said these efforts could be strengthened through collaboration among traditional medicine practitioners, botanists, universities, medical practitioners, and industry players to identify the potential of medicinal plants and develop quality standards based on scientific research.
“However, these efforts must respect the rights of indigenous communities, preserve biodiversity and ensure their participation and fair sharing of benefits with the communities involved,” he added.
On genomics, epigenetics and personalised medicine, he said these approaches had the potential to expand research into individual differences, disease predispositions and responses to specific healthcare interventions.
However, he stressed that all research advancements must be pursued ethically, with priority given to data security, individual rights, and equitable access to the benefits of research.
Meanwhile, he also said that the Sarawak government is stepping up efforts to explore the state’s rich forest biodiversity and traditional medicinal heritage through the establishment of two research centres aimed at identifying potential treatments and solutions for emerging diseases.
He said the two centres—the Sarawak Tropical Infectious Disease Centre and Sarawak Biodiversity Research Centre—play key roles in expanding research into infectious diseases and the potential of Sarawak’s natural resources.
“The Sarawak Tropical Infectious Disease Centre, among other things, focuses on the potential of Eastern medicine, taking into account the heritage, background, culture, and lifestyles of local communities,” he said.
Abang Johari added that this approach was important as traditional knowledge passed down through generations among local communities could contribute to the advancement of healthcare research.
Meanwhile, he said the Sarawak Biodiversity Research Centre focuses on conserving and researching the State’s rich forest biodiversity, particularly natural resources with the potential to be developed into therapies and products based on Eastern medicine.
Citing the Covid-19 pandemic, he said the emergence of the disease demonstrated that the world continued to face unexpected health threats, underscoring the need for continuous research to find solutions.
Themed ‘Collaborative Synergies: Shaping an Integrative Health Ecosystem for Medical Wellness and Salutogenesis’, the conference brought together 27 speakers from 10 countries and more than 350 participants from 13 countries and territories. — DayakDaily
