KUCHING – The Sarawak government has announced that Psychotria viridiflora, locally known as Engkerebai, could become a key natural ingredient in the global cosmetics industry, thanks to research conducted by the Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC).
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Dato Sri Roland Sagah Wee Inn, said the plant’s skin-lightening and anti-ageing properties represent not only a scientific milestone but also a significant economic opportunity. He emphasised that the discovery aligns with Sarawak’s strategy to harness its biodiversity for sustainable growth.
Speaking at the SBC 2025 Annual Dinner and the signing of a new Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) with five Iban communities, he noted that the cosmetics sector is one of the fastest-growing industries worldwide. Current estimates place the global market at RM347.8 billion in 2025, with projections reaching RM648.6 billion by 2032.
“The discovery of Engkerebai’s properties is more than just scientific progress. It provides the foundation for developing high-value commercial products. We must recognise the vast economic potential of this rapidly expanding industry,” he said.
The minister urged Sarawakians to seize the opportunity by strengthening collaboration in biodiversity development. He stressed that products derived from traditional knowledge and produced locally should aim to compete in international markets.
Engkerebai’s inclusion in the BSA highlights the continuing importance of indigenous knowledge in guiding scientific research. According to Dato Sri Roland Sagah, this partnership demonstrates how traditional practices can support conservation, innovation, and community empowerment.
“One way to ensure preservation is by transforming traditional knowledge into marketable products, integrating it into a wider healthcare and wellness system,” he explained.
At the event, SBC formalised its fourth BSA agreement with five Iban communities: Rumah Bajau (Julau), Rumah Lembang (Pakan), Rumah Machup (Roban), Karangan Mong (Lubok Antu), and Kampung Rapak Tebus (Pantu).
These agreements ensure that local communities benefit from the commercialisation of natural resources derived from their traditional knowledge.
The SBC has been actively documenting indigenous knowledge and conducting bioprospecting research to identify plants with commercial potential.
Engkerebai, a shrub native to tropical regions including Borneo, has now emerged as one of the most promising candidates for cosmetic applications.
With global demand for natural and sustainable beauty products on the rise, Sarawak’s efforts to commercialise Engkerebai could position the state as a contributor to the international cosmetics supply chain.
The initiative also reflects a broader vision of combining biodiversity conservation with economic development, ensuring that local communities share in the benefits.
