CAP warns of rapid decline of endangered medicinal plants in Malaysia

KUALA LUMPUR - The Consumers’ Association of Penang (CAP) has raised concerns over the rapid decline of endangered medicinal plants in Malaysia, warning that the trend could jeopardise public health, biodiversity and centuries-old traditional knowledge.

In conjunction with World Wildlife Day, CAP president Mohideen Abdul Kader said the disappearance of medicinal flora has received far less attention than wildlife conservation, despite its critical role in healthcare, cultural heritage and livelihoods.

"The decline is largely driven by human activities, including deforestation for agriculture and infrastructure development, excessive harvesting to meet commercial demand, weak enforcement of conservation laws, climate change, invasive species, limited public awareness and greed,” he said in a statement recently.

Mohideen stressed that medicinal plants such as Eurycoma longifolia (tongkat ali), Aquilaria malaccensis (gaharu) and Labisia pumila (kacip fatimah) underpin traditional healing practices and support global industries, including pharmaceuticals, cosmetics, food products and wellness goods.

He said this year’s theme, "Medicinal and Aromatic Plants: Conserving Health, Heritage and Livelihoods”, highlights the vital role wild plant species play in sustaining healthcare, preserving cultural traditions and supporting economic security.

Mohideen said Malaysia’s tropical rainforests are among the world’s richest biodiversity hotspots, home to thousands of plant species with therapeutic value.

For generations, local communities and traditional healers have relied on these natural resources to treat ailments and promote well-being.

However, he warned that several important species now face serious threats. Eurycoma longifolia, widely marketed as an energy booster and male vitality supplement, is vulnerable due to heavy domestic and international demand and its slow growth rate.

Aquilaria malaccensis, prized for its fragrant agarwood, has been severely depleted by illegal logging and overexploitation, despite international trade controls.

Labisia pumila, traditionally used for women’s reproductive health, is also becoming scarce as harvesters often uproot the entire plant, limiting natural regeneration.

Similarly, Yellow vine, used to treat fever, infections and diabetes, faces similar risks due to destructive harvesting and slow recovery.

"The loss of medicinal plants is not merely an environmental issue; it is also cultural and economic. Traditional Malay, Orang Asli and Orang Asal healing practices depend heavily on forest biodiversity.

"When these species vanish, centuries of accumulated knowledge disappear with them. Rural communities that rely on sustainable harvesting for supplementary income also stand to lose vital livelihoods,” he said.

Mohideen called for a holistic response involving the government, communities and researchers, including promoting sustainable harvesting, ethical trade and the preservation of traditional knowledge to ensure future generations continue to benefit from these natural resources while maintaining ecosystem balance. - BERNAMA