5 days ago
Tuhau and wild fungi workshop empowers Imbak communities
Dr Yap Sau Wai (seated front row, fourth from left) with officers from SFD, UMS, Yayasan Sabah Group and relevant government agencies during the closing ceremony of the Tuhau and Wild Fungi Workshop at ICCA on August 7.
TONGOD (Aug 8): The Tuhau (Wild Ginger) and Wild Fungi Workshop under the Bioprospect Project and Development of Wild Fungi, Wild Ginger and Medicinal and Aromatic Plants (TUB) Project (12th Malaysia Plan), held from August 1 to 7 at the Imbak Canyon Conservation Area (ICCA), successfully gathered 86 participants from villages around Imbak Canyon and relevant government agencies to strengthen their knowledge on the biodiversity potential of wild ginger and mushrooms in Sabah.
The closing ceremony of the workshop was officiated by the Group Manager of the Yayasan Sabah Group's Research Division cum Project Manager of the Bio-Prospecting Research and Development Project on Wild Mushrooms and Wild Ginger (TUB), representing the director of Yayasan Sabah. Also in attendance were officers from the Sabah Forestry Department (SFD), Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), and Yayasan Sabah Group.
The TUB Project, with an allocation of RM5 million under the 12th Malaysia Plan (2021–2025), is a strategic initiative aimed at identifying, protecting, and harnessing the potential of wild ginger and mushroom species in Sabah, contributing to economic development and national food security.
The workshop featured presentations, demonstrations, and specimen exhibitions conducted by TS. Dr Elia Godoong (wild ginger research specialist) and Assoc. Prof. Dr. Jaya Seelan A/L Sathiya Seelan (wild mushroom research specialist) from UMS.
In her speech, Dr Yap emphasised that the TUB Project is aligned with the Malaysian Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goals 2 (Zero Hunger), 8 (Decent Work & Economic Growth), and 15 (Life on Land).
'The strong commitment and close collaboration between Yayasan Sabah Group, SFD, and UMS are proof of the dedication to ensuring that the research outcomes deliver positive impacts on biodiversity and local communities.
'The Yayasan Sabah Group greatly appreciates the support from SFD and UMS for the close cooperation given throughout these five years,' she concluded.
During the closing ceremony, 13 community leaders received participation certificates in recognition of their active involvement in the workshop.
