KUCHING, Oct 6th: Sarawak is recognising the immense potential hidden within its traditional wisdom, which could make significant contributions to health research and the well-being of its population.
Premier of Sarawak Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Abang Johari Tun Openg, emphasized the importance of harnessing traditional knowledge about medicinal plants for biomedical research.
“During my time with a Penan community in the jungle, I gained insights into the medicinal properties of certain plants, knowledge that often lacks scientific validation.
“If we can scientifically confirm the efficacy of these remedies, they could become valuable resources for treating various ailments. This collaboration is expected to significantly contribute to biomedical research in Sarawak.”
“On one occasion, while I was with the community leader, I asked him why they don’t integrate more into our mainstream development, including ensuring their children receive an education.”
He told this to reporters, noting that this initiative aligns seamlessly with Sarawak’s Research and Development framework, as highlighted during the recent signing of Memorandums of Understanding and Agreements for the Sarawak Infectious Disease Centre (SIDC), which took place earlier at his office in Wisma Bapa, Malaysia here today.
Abang Johari also shared the discussion he with the Penan community, on how to treat if they are bitten by a poisonous snake, to which the community disclosed of the existent of a particular tree, in which, the leaves will be crushed and applied on the bitten area which heals the patient.
Abang Johari also recounted his conversation with the Penan community about treating snakebites. During this discussion, the community revealed their knowledge of a specific tree. They explained that by crushing the leaves of this tree and applying them to the bitten area, they could effectively treat the patient, facilitating their recovery.
“In other words, there is a medicinal property in the leaves of that specific plant that has not yet been scientifically identified.
“This incident left a strong impression on me, highlighting that there are many plants out there with medicinal value known to local communities but not scientifically verified.
Hence, through scientific evidence, these plants could potentially serve as sources for medicine, at least for neutralising poison in the bloodstream.
With this type of research conducted by experts, significantly contribute to medicinal breakthrough and development. – TVS
