Guarana importation from Brazil, cultivation strictly prohibited in Sabah, says MAFFI

KOTA KINABALU (Feb 6): The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industries (MAFFI) has reiterated that the importation, cultivation, propagation and research of guarana (Paullinia cupana) in Sabah is strictly prohibited due to legal, biosecurity and agricultural risks.

MAFFI said the prohibition is in line with a directive by the Department of Agriculture Malaysia and an official notice from Brazil’s Ministry of Agriculture, which only allows the export of guarana fruit for processing and human consumption.

Unauthorised cultivation may result in legal action, including penalties of up to R$10 million (RM7.5 million) under Brazilian law.

MAFFI Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the ban is necessary to safeguard Sabah’s agricultural sector and food security.

“The ministry will not compromise on biosecurity. The importation, cultivation or research of guarana is strictly prohibited, as it poses serious legal, agricultural and ecological risks to Sabah,” he said in a statement.

He warned that guarana may carry dangerous plant diseases such as South American Leaf Blight, which could threaten Sabah’s rubber industry, as well as other pathogens that could affect fruit and vegetable crops.

Jamawi reminded all parties that any importation of plant materials without written approval from the Director of Agriculture Sabah is an offence under the Plant Quarantine Act 1976.