The Home Ministry prohibits the planting of ketum commercially in the country, said Deputy Prime Minister Ahmad Zahid Hamidi in Kuala Lumpur.

He said this move was also supported by the Health Ministry which found ketum leaves produced more harm to the health compared to its benefits.

“For the time being, the government has decided not to allow it be commercially planted, distributed and used as it is detrimental to health.

“We have received scientific inputs on the benefits of ketum leaves but its usage can cause addiction which lead to other diseases,” he told reporters after attending the Media Prima Aidilfitri open house in Kuala Lumpur today.

He said the government however did not prevent the usage of ketum leaves for scientific medical research.

It was earlier reported the Rubber Industry Smallholders Development Authority (Risda) had proposed seeking the government’s approval to carry out ketum plantation on a large scale for the pharmaceutical industry overseas which could greatly benefit smallholders.

Meanwhile Zahid, who is also Home Minister, said the government would take action against those who did not adhere to the ban on planting ketum for commercial purposes.

He said they could face action by the Health Ministry under the Poisons Act 1952.

- Bernama