SEMPORNA, 1 April 2018:
Malaysia will ask the UN Food and Agriculture Organisation to recognise the country’s seaweed – of which, 88% gets cultivated in Semporna, Sabah – as a Malaysian superfood.
Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek yesterday said the proposal is among the efforts implemented to further enhance the country’s seaweed promotion at the international level.
“The seaweed is one of superfoods produced by Malaysia due to its high content in nutrients – including minerals, vitamins, iodine and its role as the base ingredient for producing among others, jelly and crackers, apart from pharmaceutical purposes.”
Ahmad Shabery said there is also a proposal to introduce kelulut (stingless bee) honey as a Malaysian superfood.
“Previously, the government focused on improving the seaweed production as well as providing facilities. However, I think better yield is not enough if the price is low. And this involves marketing problems and how to rectify the value chain system.”
– Bernama