The utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants in Malaysia: an overview

Mohd Azmi M. I., . (2000) The utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants in Malaysia: an overview. [Proceedings Paper]

This paper highlights the status of utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants in Malaysia and suggests some conservation measures in order to ensure long term sustainable use. Medicinal plants are recognised as one of the important components of the tropical rain forest. Research activities on utilisation and conservation of this valuable non-timber forest product have become intriguing subjects of discussion in many tropical countries. The practice of traditional medicine using medicinal plants from tropical rain forests still persists despite the advancement of modern medicine. Currently the interest in utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants is. rapidly increasing. However the current status of its management and conservation in terms of resource supply and distribution utilisation harvesting trade and silviculture is still unclear. In Malaysia the practice of utilisation of medicinal plants varies with different races income education levels religions and spiritual believes. Most of the medicinal plants used by the majority particularly the Malay practitioners are gathered from the forest. Imported medicinal plants have also been widely used in traditional medicines. Without proper regulations on management and conservation of medicinal plants the sustainable harvest of medicinal plants from the forest would be reduced in the future. As a result this may lead to resource depletion and may impose a high social cost for the future generation. Increasing demand for medicinal plants in the future will reduce apparent viability of the industry due to high investment cost in management and conservation. Given that the utilization and conservation of medicinal plants are important activities in the coming decade the government should consider long term economic incentives to conserve this valuable non-timber forest product. The use of economic instruments and other incentives such as regulations and public education are vital towards achieving sustainable forest management practices.

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Abstract

This paper highlights the status of utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants in Malaysia and suggests some conservation measures in order to ensure long term sustainable use. Medicinal plants are recognised as one of the important components of the tropical rain forest. Research activities on utilisation and conservation of this valuable non-timber forest product have become intriguing subjects of discussion in many tropical countries. The practice of traditional medicine using medicinal plants from tropical rain forests still persists despite the advancement of modern medicine. Currently the interest in utilisation and conservation of medicinal plants is. rapidly increasing. However the current status of its management and conservation in terms of resource supply and distribution utilisation harvesting trade and silviculture is still unclear. In Malaysia the practice of utilisation of medicinal plants varies with different races income education levels religions and spiritual believes. Most of the medicinal plants used by the majority particularly the Malay practitioners are gathered from the forest. Imported medicinal plants have also been widely used in traditional medicines. Without proper regulations on management and conservation of medicinal plants the sustainable harvest of medicinal plants from the forest would be reduced in the future. As a result this may lead to resource depletion and may impose a high social cost for the future generation. Increasing demand for medicinal plants in the future will reduce apparent viability of the industry due to high investment cost in management and conservation. Given that the utilization and conservation of medicinal plants are important activities in the coming decade the government should consider long term economic incentives to conserve this valuable non-timber forest product. The use of economic instruments and other incentives such as regulations and public education are vital towards achieving sustainable forest management practices.

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Item Type:	Proceedings Paper
Additional Information:	Available at Perpustakaan Sultan Abdul Samad Universiti Putra Malaysia 43400 UPM Serdang Selangor Malaysia. mal QK99 A1S471 2000 Call Number.
AGROVOC Term:	USES
AGROVOC Term:	DRUG PLANTS
AGROVOC Term:	STORAGE
AGROVOC Term:	FOREST PRODUCTS
AGROVOC Term:	TRADITIONAL MEDICINES
AGROVOC Term:	FOREST MANAGEMENT
AGROVOC Term:	MALAYSIA
Geographical Term:	MALAYSIA
Depositing User:	Ms. Suzila Mohamad Kasim
Last Modified:	24 Apr 2025 05:13
URI:	http://webagris.upm.edu.my/id/eprint/11297

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