From seaweed to Sabah Tea, state eyes stronger IP push for local products

KOTA KINABALU, May 24 — The Ministry of Domestic Trade and Cost of Living (KPDN), through the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO), is developing a comprehensive intellectual property protection mechanism in the state through the Sabah Intellectual Property Development Plan 2026-2030.

Its Minister Datuk Armizan Mohd Ali said the initiative is part of the government’s agenda to strengthen an economy driven by innovation and intellectual property (IP).

“This strengthening effort is being carried out through IP protection, the development of IP valuation, IP-based financing, as well as expanding the market for local products through Sabah’s strategic branding,” he said in a statement.

According to Armizan, the plan will focus on developing a more integrated intellectual property ecosystem, including identifying new Geographical Indications (GIs) for high-value products such as highland agricultural produce, seaweed, and local handicrafts.

He explained that the effort is important to ensure Sabah’s rich biodiversity, cultural heritage, and local wisdom can be translated into economic resources that directly benefit the people.

In a related development, Armizan said that as of April 2026, Malaysia had recorded 130 registered GIs, with 31 of them originating from Sabah.

The achievement places Sabah among the main contributors to the country’s GI portfolio through renowned products such as Sabah Tea, Tenom Coffee, Borneo Virgin Coconut Oil, Sabah Seaweed, Tawau Cocoa, Tambunan Ginger and Sabah Batik.

Sabah Tea, pictured alongside locally produced pepper, is among the state’s best-known products recognised for its geographical indication value. — Picture from Facebook/Armizan Mohd Ali

Commenting on the organisation of the Intellectual Property Roadshow programme, he described the new initiative as a proactive approach to identifying and empowering the potential of local products.

He said intellectual property ownership in various forms, such as GI protection, trademarks, patents and copyrights, could enhance the competitiveness of local products in both domestic and international markets.

The roadshow held today focused on local tea producer Sabah Tea in Ranau, which is among the earliest examples of the successful use of intellectual property instruments in Sabah through GI recognition.

“GI also creates a multiplier effect for local communities through tourism activities and economic value chains such as homestays, restaurants, transportation and handicrafts in areas surrounding product production,” he said.

The KPDN, through MyIPO, will continue strengthening the intellectual property development agenda as a catalyst for grassroots economic growth, while elevating the potential of products based on local heritage and uniqueness, he added. — Bernama