Gaharu harvesting in Peninsular Malaysia
2007
Lim, Hin Fui | Mohd Parid Mamat, | Chang Yu Syun, | Woon Weng Chuen, | Ibrahim, Marina | Roda, Jean-Marc
Gaharu was traded in Peninsular Malaysia before 684 CE. Today, it is one of a few non-timber forest products popularly traded in the world market. It is produced from the resinous, fragrant and highly prized heartwood of species of Aquilaria of the family Thymelaeaceae. The current grade A gaharu fetches about RM12,000 per kg. In Malaysia, it is estimated that there are 4,000-5,000 gaharu harvesters in Peninsular Malaysia. There are found mainly in Perak, Kelantan, Terengganu and Pahang. Rural villagers depend on gaharu harvesting in supplementing household income, especially during rainy days where rubber tapping could not be carried out. Other than local harvesters (Orang Asli, Malay and Thai descendants), local villagers reported that foreigners (especially the Thai) are also harvesting gaharu from the forests. The harvesting of gaharu by the local villagers and foreigners threaten the survival of the gaharu producing tree species. Villagers and middlemen indicate that gaharu harvesting may not last long as a source of income. It is important necessary to license harvesting and trading of gaharu. The establishment of gaharu plantation also has great potential in meeting future demand. (Texte intégral)
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