Bid to use stevia in place of sugar

Thursday, 07 January 2010

The Star - by : Bernama

KUALA LUMPUR: Since the sugar price increase on Jan 1, there have been various reactions. Among them is a proposal by a local company to establish a large plantation and biotechnology processing plant 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 or carbohydrates.

“It can also be used as a main alternative to reduce the use of sugar,” she said.

Besides being a natural sweetner, stevia is said to reduce blood sugar levels, ease urine flow, kill bacteria, cure skin problems and also control weight.

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

Dr Sharifah has proposed that stevia be used to help reduce the consumption of sugar among Malaysians.

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 Re search 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 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 soon.

“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 Agrobased Industry Ministry. —Bernama

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