What official federal decision are residents waiting for on ketum?

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Residents Await Federal Decision on Ketum Export for Medicinal Purposes

Residents in rural areas are advised to postpone any immediate ketum planting activities until a formal decision is made by the federal government regarding the potential export of ketum leaves for medicinal use. Rural Development Minister Datuk Seri Mahdzir Khalid has urged the public to await official confirmation, emphasizing that any actions should align with the law once a government decision is reached. This guidance comes amidst reports of increased ketum cultivation and the establishment of new farms, particularly in the Padang Terap district.
Clarification on Existing Cultivation

Mahdzir confirmed that ketum cultivation has been a long-standing practice among rural communities, specifically in the Padang Terap district. However, he refuted claims that new ketum farms or plantations have been opened. Instead, he explained that existing, previously neglected ketum plots were being revisited by planters who perceived the proposal to allow ketum leaf exports as a potential economic opportunity.
Government Decision Pending

The core of the current situation revolves around the federal government's pending decision on whether to permit the export of ketum leaves for medicinal purposes. Mahdzir's statement highlights that until this official stance is declared, residents should exercise caution and refrain from expanding their ketum planting activities. This indicates a need for a regulated approach to any future legal framework surrounding ketum cultivation and trade.
Rejuvenation of Neglected Farms

The prospect of legal export has reportedly spurred renewed interest in ketum cultivation. Rural residents and existing ketum planters, upon hearing about the proposal, have begun tending to their previously overlooked farms. This resurgence is not attributed to the opening of new agricultural land but rather to the proactive care of existing ketum plants, driven by the anticipation of potential economic benefits.

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What official federal decision are residents waiting for on ketum?

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