KUCHING: Sarawak Biodiversity Centre (SBC) signed a Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) with the Melanau communities to further develop the ‘Sekiu Oil’.
The Melanau communities are participants of SBC’s Traditional Knowledge Documentation Programme from Kampung Jemoreng Ulu, Hilir, Matu and Kampung Penibong, Pulau Bruit, Daro.
The BSA signing between Sarawak Biodiversity Council and the communities represent three-fold benefits to the participating indigenous communities in terms of recognising and respecting the communities’ rights to its biological resources and associated traditional knowledge.
The ‘Sekiu Oil’ is consumed by the Melanau community of Daro and Matu as food flavouring. It is reputed as a highly valued and exotic golden-coloured oil from Sarawak.
Commonly known by the locals as ‘Sekiu’, the valuable plant species, Madhuca Motleyana, is seasonal with fruiting season once every four years.
Minister of Education, Innovation and Talent Development, Datuk Roland Sagah Wee Inn, who was present at the signing ceremony, said that the Benefit Sharing Agreement (BSA) ensured the fair and equitable sharing of benefits derived from the utilisation of the ‘Sekiu Oil’.
“Through this agreement, the rights and knowledge of the local communities who have long relied on Sekiu are respected and upheld.
“It also empowers the local communities as well as preserve their cultural heritage and protect the biodiversity,” he said in his speech while officiating at the ceremony at Sarawak Biodiversity Centre compound yesterday (May 27).
SBC’s chief executive officer (CEO) Dr Yeo Tiong Chia, who was also present at the ceremony, said the scarcity of the oil derived from the fruits, added value to the product, making it a sought-after commodity in various industries.
“This economic significance presents an opportunity to promote sustainable livelihoods, supporting local communities and fostering responsible trade practices,” he added.
Among those present at the officiating ceremony were MEITD deputy permanent secretary Anielia Siam, Sarawak Biodiversity Council members Jack Liam who is also Controller of Environmental Quality Sarawak and Prof Datuk Dr Andrew Kiyu Dawie who is a professor of Public Health from the Faculty of Medicine and Health Sciences at Universiti Malaysia Sarawak (UNIMAS).
