LETTERS: Recently, the issue of export of ketum leaves has come to the fore when some quarters concurred with the idea of exporting the leaves as it can potentially boost the economy.
Some are not on the same page as it may have great repercussions for our society in other aspects.
Every year, the authorities foil attempts to smuggle ketum leaves into Thailand, implying that there is a high demand for the leaves in that country.
The sale of ketum leaves in Thailand is not illegal as the country uses them to produce medicines for some diseases.
They are sold in Thailand's market at a lucrative price of RM180 per kg compared with less than RM100 per kg in the Malaysian market.
One ketum tree can produce 10kg of leaves with revenue of RM200 every two weeks. Hence, the smuggling of ketum leaves is on an upward trend.
The commercialisation of ketum leaves does not only happen in Thailand but also in other countries, such as the United States, as the use of the leaves is widely accepted in the pharmaceutical industry.
Besides, Indonesia also exports the leaves to Europe. Looking at the positive side of ketum leaves, their sales abroad may boost Malaysia's exports.
In September last year, the General Operations Force (GOF) seized 15 tonnes of ketum leaves worth more than RM2 million in Perlis and Kedah.
This amount excludes the seizure in other states such as Kelantan. It is estimated that the value of seized ketum leaves per month is RM15 million.
The amount also did not include the value of seized ketum leaves that have been smuggled into Thailand. I believe smugglers earn much more money from the illicit trade.
Based on the figures, if Malaysia were to legalise export of ketum leaves, our country may earn more than RM180 million from the leaves each year, and thus our net exports will increase.
Our gross domestic product (GDP), which is also dependent on exports, will escalate. Our currency against the Thai baht will also appreciate.
Due to the lucrative exports, many people in rural areas will stand to benefit as they can be employed and the unemployment rate in rural areas may drop.
Smallholders will also benefit as the sale of the leaves will provide them a lucrative income.
However, despite boosting the economy, we must not rule out the deleterious impact of the exports. The rules, regulations and enforcement must always be strictly complied with to prevent the misuse of ketum leaves.
This is because ketum addiction, if the leaves are misused, may have a similar effect as drug addiction.
DR MOHD SHAHIDAN SHAARI
Faculty of Applied and Human Sciences,
Universiti Malaysia Perlis
The views expressed in this article are the author's own and do not necessarily reflect those of the New Straits Times