SPEECH BY

YAB DATO’ SRI HAJI FADILLAH BIN HAJI YUSOF

DEPUTY PRIME MINISTER OF MALAYSIA

AND

MINISTER OF PLANTATION AND COMMODITIES

4TH INTERNATIONAL INTEGRATIVE MEDICINE CONFERENCE

&

INAUGURAL ASIAN CONGRESS ON KRATOM

12 August 2023 (Saturday)

Ballroom, Majestic Hotel Kuala Lumpur

Bismillahirrahmanirrahim.

Assalamualaikum Warahmatullahi Wabarakatuh,

His Excellency, Dr. Joachim Bergström

Ambassador of Sweden,

Dr. Janethy Balakrishnan

President, Association of Integrative Medicine of Malaysia,

Mr. Nils Bokström

Founder and CEO of Integrative Conferences,

The Organizing Committee members,

Members of the Media, and

Distinguished Guests

Ladies and Gentlemen,

1. On behalf of the Government and people of Malaysia, I extend a warm welcome and offer the traditional Malaysian greeting of "Selamat Datang" to all distinguished Speakers and Delegates gathered here from around the world for the 4th International Integrative Medicine Conference and Inaugural Asian Congress on Kratom.

2. It is an honor and exemplary to recognize the Association of Integrative Medicine Malaysia (AIMM) for its visionary role in uniting allopathic and non-allopathic medical practitioners to address present and future healthcare challenges.

3. This milestone marks the inaugural Asian Kratom Congress in Malaysia, a collaboration between esteemed institutions: Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), University Malaya Center for Drug Addiction (UMCAS), and the Commonwealth Medical Association.

4. My heartiest congratulations are in order for AIMM, the pioneering medical association in Malaysia that offers education and certification to medical practitioners and stakeholders. This commitment aligns seamlessly with the theme of this year's conference: "Primum non Nocere" or "First Do No Harm", emphasizing education and safety as its pillar.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

5. At the Ministry of Plantations and Commodities, the comprehensive National Agricommodity Policy 2021-2030 outlines the strategies required to steer Malaysia's sustainable growth in the agricultural sector by focusing on competitiveness, environmental sustainability, and social inclusivity.

6. A cornerstone of this policy is the development of new commodities to drive sectoral growth, an endeavor that benefits from dedicated resources, incentives, and strategic investments, thereby supporting the nation's economic-socio progress.

7. Beyond economic significance, Malaysia's commodities sector plays a crucial role in securing the world's food supply chain. Notably, our palm oil and cocoa are integral ingredients in various food products which are produced responsibly and sustainably.

8. Therefore, turning our attention to kratom, its utilization in Malaysia is carefully governed by stringent laws and policies. Hence, the development of kratom, a tropical plant known for its medicinal properties that contains psychoactive alkaloids into an industry must be balanced with its potential benefits and risk. As such, Malaysia employs a multifaceted approach involving regulation, research, and community engagement which will have serious implications that creates havoc for the society and nation.

9. The legal framework in place in the governing of kratom encompasses the Poisons Act 1952 and Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 which imposes rigorous controls on cultivation, possession, and sale. These measures safeguard public health, prevent misuse, and encourage responsible usage at all levels.

10. In parallel, the government's commitment to scientific research underscores its dedication to informed decisionmaking. Through investments in botany, pharmacology, and medicine, Malaysia seeks a comprehensive understanding of kratom's properties and applications which can be turned into a lucrative commodity industry.

11. The strategic approach to kratom underscores Malaysia's pursuit of both cultural preservation and economic advancement. The nation's holistic strategy involves all stakeholders, balancing progress with heritage.

Ladies and Gentlemen,

12. As we move forward, the Government of Malaysia remains committed to data-driven decision-making, adapting regulations as needed to harmonize economic progress and citizen wellbeing.

13. It is vital to acknowledge the challenges of kratom implementation, including regulation and prevention of misuse. AIMM's initiative in assembling esteemed speakers with extensive expertise is commendable and encouraging.

14. I extend my heartfelt congratulations to AIMM and the organizing committees for their tireless efforts in organising this momentous Inaugural Asian Kratom Congress, a testament to their dedication and hard work.

15. With this, I am honored to officiate the 4th International Integrative Medicine Conference and Inaugural Asian Kratom Congress, marking a pivotal step in advancing healthcare and scientific understanding.

Thank you