| Azlan Othman |
THE visiting Director of the Rajapark Institute in Thailand’s Yala Province, Assistant Professor Kasem Benchawong, called for bilateral cooperation in the herb industry during a working visit yesterday to the Herbal Recreational Park in Kampong Putat.
Assistant Professor Benchawong who is heading a 57-member delegation, on the sidelines of the visit also told the Bulletin that he is seeking more ties with the Brunei-Muara District Office and the Ministry of Home Affairs in general.
The visit is the eighth this year by a Thai delegation to the Sultanate. Three months ago, another group was in Brunei to explore possible opportunities in energy.
This is Assistant Professor Benchawong’s second visit to the park.
The Village Head of Kampong Putat, Haji Jumat bin Akim, briefed the delegation on the traditional usage of local herb species, such as ‘simpor’ and ‘sabit’ for treatment of wounds, ‘pelibas kuning/putih’ for diarrhea and ‘sinaran bulan’ for breast cancer.
According to Haji Jumat, there has yet been a detailed study on the herbs found in the village for the purpose of developing medicinal products for mass consumption.
Director of the Rajapark Institute in Thailand’s Yala Province, Assistant Professor Kasem Benchawong (L), viewing the village handicrafts.
Photo shows the ladies of the Thai delegation as they take a closer look at the village handicrafts during a working visit to the Herbal Recreational Park in Kampong Putat yesterday.
Members of the Thai delegation listened as the Village Head of Kampong Putat, Haji Jumat bin Akim talks about the usage of herbs, at the Herbal Recreational Park in Kampong Putat. – PHOTOS: AZLAN OTHMAN
“But university students come here in large groups, with some from as far away as Sabah, for a closer look at the herb centre,” he added.
Around 75 herbal species are planted in the five-hectare site, which has a walkway hut constructed by the Ministry of Development, and a parking lot and a community hall constructed by the Ministry of Home Affairs.
Kampong Putat was a finalist in the Excellent Village Award, and is renowned for its crispy ‘tumpi’ (pancake) and ‘kueh bahulu’ (mini-sponge cake).
The visiting Thai delegation recently attended a gathering, where they were introduced to the new Muslim converts of Kampong Lubok Pulau. They also toured the One Village, One Product (1K1P) gallery at the Tutong District Office, and viewed literary works at Universiti Brunei Darussalam (UBD).
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