KOTA TINGGI: Bioalpha Holdings Bhd, which operates two of the largest herbal parks in the country, is looking at opening more such integrated parks in order to boost its production of herbs.
Managing director William Hon said the company was in talks with several state governments that had land suitable for herbal farming, including Selangor and Pahang.
“We began discussions with the state governments six months ago but it is not known when the talks will be finalised,” he said when met in Desaru, near here, recently.
The health supplement company’s existing parks are in Desaru (121.4ha) and Pasir Raja, Terengganu (405.9ha).
On the acreage the company is seeking from the states, Hon said: “It depends on the state governments, how much they are willing to give. We hope to get at least 40.47ha for economies of scale.”
To-date, only 30% of Bioalpha’s existing 527.3ha park land had been developed, Hon said.
“For the remaining 70%, clearing for planting activities is being done. We will take at least two years to finish planting,” he added.
According to Hon, “misai kucing” (orthosiphon aristatus) is the main herb produced at its herbal parks. The 12.14ha planted with “misai kucing” has the potential of producing about 72 tonnes of harvest annually.
“Besides using the crop to make in-house supplements, we also export the ‘misai kucing’ to South Korea and sell to third parties,” he added. – Jan 23, 2020, Bernama
