As of now, the Kedah state government is still hoping to become the exporter of Ketum to Thailand for medical purposes. However, not everyone is on board with the decision and that includes former Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad.
He did not agree with Kedah Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Muhammad Sanusi Md Nor’s proposal to export ketum legally to Thailand. According to Tun M, ketum leaves bring more harm than benefits, including the possibility of addiction.
“In terms of health, taking medicine from ketum leaves more than the prescribed limits can also harm our health,” he added.
He also stated that it is better for those who came up with the proposal to seek source of income through other means and not by allowing ketum exports. He believes that ketum plants should only be exploited for medical purposes by established pharmaceutical companies, according to Astro Awani.
“We should engage companies that are experts in extracting chemicals from the ketum plants to be processed into pills for medical purposes.
In the meantime, Tun M also questioned the purpose of Kedah to become the exporter of ketum,
“Is it just because they want to make a lot of money? Muslims are prohibited from eating pork, so should Muslims export pigs to Thailand? Muslims are prohibited from consuming alcohol, so should Muslims sell alcohol?”
Tun M said that if the abuse of ketum can intoxicate people, then the sale of ketum should not be allowed.
Do you agree with Tun M’s take on the export of ketum? Or do you think Kedah should be the state that exports ketum to Thailand for medical purposes?
Also read: Kedah MB Says The Internet Has Far More Damaging Effects Than Ketum & Asks Why It’s Not Restricted
