KEDAH’S rural folk are told to not rush into planting ketum (kratom or mitragyna speciosa) on their land, despite suggestions to allow the leaves to be exported for medicinal purposes.

Rural Development Minister Mahdzir Khalid said people should wait for an official government announcement on the matter.

“We can be positive and progressive people on ketum matters, but let us wait for the government’s decision.

“If the decision is in favour of exporting the leaves, then we can act according to the stipulated law.”

He was commenting on news reports that ketum planting has picked up pace in the state with the opening of ketum farms and plantations, specifically in Padang Terap.

He said the district’s rural residents have long been planting ketum, but added that no new farm and plantation were opened.

“There is no new addition. When word about the proposal spread, although no approval or confirmation is made yet, they regarded it as positive news.

“So they are taking care of their farms again, which were previously neglected.” – Bernama, May 14, 2022.