KUALA LUMPUR, Jan 3 (Bernama) — Since the price hike of sugar on Jan 1, there have been various reactions, with a local company proposing to establish a large plantation and biotechnology processing centre to produce the herb ‘Stevia’ on a commercial basis.

Stevia is a natural sweetener that does not contain any calories.

A’Azam Group chief executive officer, Dr Sharifah Sabrina, said the traditional stevia has zero calories, no fat, cholesterol, sugar and carbohydrates.

“It can also be used as a main alternative to reduce sugar use,” she told Bernama on Sunday.

Besides being a natural sugar ingredient, stevia can also reduce sugar-level in blood, ease urine flow, kill bacteria, destroy fungus, reduce skin problems and also reduce weight.

The sweetener is obtained from the the dried stevia leaf. The plant originates from South American countries, especially Paraguay.

Dr Sharifah also proposed that the use of stevia be expanded in Malaysia to reduce sugar use among the people.

The A’Azam Group with the cooperation of its subsidiary, BNG Global Holdings Sdn Bhd, has undertaken research and development with several scientists from India’s Biotechnology Research and Development Centre based in Pune to plant stevia saplings for early testing.

“We need to do comprehensive research as climatic factors play an important role. The research includes planting in Malaysia and also other South East Asian countries. We are still conducting tests and research scientifically.

“We have done soil research and tests in Pekan, Mersing , Bentong and Sabah. The process is expected to be completed in the near future. We have also received many requests from small businessmen to cultivate stevia,” she said.

Dr Sharifah said the proposal for the plantation was also forwarded to the Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry.

— BERNAMA

Source: http://bernama.com/bernama/v3/bm/news_lite.php?id=465786