By Ling Hui
KUCHING, May 10: Sarawak is fortunate to have the ideal climate to cultivate algae, of which certain species are believed to be anti-cancer and antibacterial.
Sarawak Premier Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg said some microalgae are reported to be helpful in the treatment of cancerous cells in tumours.
“What I meant to say is that microalgae has huge potential in the production of sustainable fuel for the aircraft industry, in food production and in therapeutics,” he said.
Though the medical value of algae has yet to be fully explored, Sarawak has 600 strains of various algae species that are kept in a depository for research at Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
“Of course, this has to be further explored. I’ll leave the research to our scientists, but there is one thing we are certain about.
“Sarawak has the raw material, the right climate, and the expertise together with our Japanese partners (from Chitose Group),” said Abang Johari in a press conference at Sarawak Energy Berhad’s Sejingkat Power Plant here today.
Other than having useful applications in the green economy and medical benefits, many algae species contain nutrients for health such as spirulina, which has been marketed as a superfood because of its high protein and nutritional content.
Inside this algae is a blue pigment called phycocanin which can reduce inflammation in the body, detoxify, boost the immune system, and help with weight loss. — DayakDaily
