The government through certain agencies, including the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) will set a specific standard for locally produced stingless bee honey.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Shabery Cheek said it was important for production to meet certain standards if the honey were to be exported overseas and sold at a high price as premium food.

He said the measure would boost the stingless bee farming industry in the country and help entrepreneurs earn lucrative income.

"Stingless bee honey has been listed as a Malaysian superfood by MARDI and demand for it has increased, as people are more aware of its advantages.

"However, demand has exceeded supply so we should strive to increase production to meet local demand and for export," he told reporters Saturday after launching the 2016 Kelulut Walk programme at A Famosa in Bandar Hilir here.

Also present were state Agriculture and Entrepreneurial Development Committee chairman Datuk Hasan Abdul Rahman and 2016 Madu Kelulut Walk ambassador Sabri Ali.

In regard to standard, Ahmad Shabery said the water and nutrient content in the honey would be maintained throughout the production to packaging process.

Meanwhile, Sabri, 54, who is on a mission to complete the walk across Malaysia, today continued his journey from A Famosa in Bandar Hilir to Dataran Keris, Alor Gajah, involving 43.9 kilometres, before heading to Negeri Sembilan to end the walk at Camar Laut in Sepang on Dec 1.

The 55-day mission to cover a 2,000-kilometre distance after the flag-off at the National Botanical Garden Shah Alam, Selangor on Oct 8, will be recorded as the Longest Distance Solo Walking Tour in Malaysia Book of Records.

Sabri, a technician with a private company in Kemaman, Terengganu claimed to experience the potency of the stingless bee honey after consuming it for the past two years.

"So far I have not experienced any health problem during this solo walk having been exposed to the hot and wet weather conditions. Alhamdulillah, it has been smooth sailing and with six days to go, I am raring to complete the mission," he said. --Bernama