ALOR STAR: Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor today stressed that he had never called for ketum abuse in the country to be allowed when he suggested for its export to be legalised.
In hitting back at his critics, Sanusi said ketum abuse and legalising its export were two separate matters.
"I am specifically proposing for ketum export to be legalised to curb its smuggling activities. The issue of ketum abuse among our people is a separate one altogether," he told reporters after the conclusion of state assembly here today.
Sanusi explained that he came up with the proposal after being informed by law enforcement agencies about rampant ketum smuggling activities into Thailand.
"Despite their continuous crackdown on the activities, we still find ketum plants from this country somehow making their way into the neighbouring country.
"Surely there is something fishy there and I was told that for every one or two tonnes of ketum seized at our border, the amount that slipped through is at least the same if not more.
"As such, to prevent the smuggling activities, it is better that we come up with proper laws and regulations to make ketum export legal," he said.
Sanusi pointed out that the ketum plant was not harmful as it was used traditionally for decades by villagers.
"It is only harmful when people started mixing it with other substances to spike its 'high' effects, so the sin falls with whoever abused it, not the plant itself.
"The government needs to focus on combating ketum abuse instead of focusing on the plants," he said.
Sanusi said he had instructed the state Economic Planning Unit to work on the proposal before submitting it to the federal government.
He added that the state government would also engage law enforcement agencies and ketum growers to get their views.
"If the federal government gives due consideration, only then we will appoint a state agency or any party to manage fresh ketum leaves export.
"If there is proper law or regulations being passed, we will wait. But if the federal government decides not to give its approval, we will abide by it," he said.
Last Wednesday, Sanusi had urged the federal government to consider legalising ketum exports as it could be developed into a lucrative industry.
He said there was a high demand among pharmaceutical companies for ketum plants from Kedah in Thailand, which could fetch up to RM150 per kilogramme, compared to RM30 per kg in the local market here.
In response, Home Minister Datuk Seri Hamzah Zainudin had said there would no legalising of ketum exports to neighbouring countries, despite its demand in the market.
Hamzah had said the government would not allow it for the time being, due to the current legislation against ketum in the country.