Stop polemic over ketum, DPM tells RISDA

The Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (RISDA) has been urged to put an end to the issue of cultivating and distributing ‘ketum’ leaves.

Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid Hamidi said, discussions conducted with experts from the Health Ministry and the Narcotics Crime Investigation Department concluded that the effects of ketum leaves do more harm than good.

As such the government has decided to prohibit the planting of ketum trees and its distribution.

“We found scientific evidence that although ketum does provide some health benefits, it also boasts detrimental effects when consumed such as addiction and ultimately the cause of certain ailments.

“As such the government through the Home Ministry and Health Ministry has decided prohibit the commercial cultivation and distribution of ketum leaves, including its export,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid told reporters at Media Prima Aidilfitri open house here today.

The prohibition did not include the use of ketum leaves for scientific research and medical purposes carried out by the Institute of Medical Research (IMR).

“It will take some time but for the time being the government has decided to prohibit the commercial cultivation and distribution of ketum leaves as it is found to do more harm than good. That is the government’s stand,” Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid said.

Datuk Seri Ahmad Zahid added those found consuming or distributing ketum leaves will be charged under the Poisons Act 1952 of the Health Ministry.