BETONG: Biotech Synergy Farm Sdn Bhd (Biotech Synergy) has launched its new line of bodycare products made from ‘dabai’ (local olive).
HOMEGROWN PRODUCTS: Cassandra and Lee (second right) handing to the Deputy Chief Minister a hamper of the newly-launched line, Borneo Botanicals. Looking on is ARC’s senior research officer Lau Cheng Yuon (second left).
The Kuching-based company, which owns a dairy goat breeding farm namely Nature’s Farm Company in Siburan, hopes to promote the natural therapeutic properties of the fruit, known scientifically as Canarium odontophyllum, through its range of bar and liquid soaps, moisturisers, lip balm, body lotion, cleansing cream and shampoos.
“Apart from this, we also aim to promote these wonderful nature’s resources to the world, as many ingredients that we’ve used in the products, especially ‘dabai’, are indigenous to Sarawak,” said the company’s principal director Cassandra Havelock during the launching of the products, branded under the name ‘Borneo Botanicals’.
She was met by The Borneo Post at the start of the bi-annual state’s level celebration of Hari Peladang, Penternak dan Nelayan 2010’ (Farmers, Breeders and Fishermen Day), which kicked off yesterday at the Dewan Sukan Tan Sri Datuk Amar Stephen Kalong Ningkan here.
The ceremony was graced by Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu Numpang, who came on behalf of Chief Minister Pehin Sri Abdul Taib Mahmud.
Biotech Synergy’co-principal director Fred Lee added that the main interest in developing ‘dabai’-based products was premised on the fruit’s high mineral content.
“With its high fat content, it’s very suitable in making soap, plus its fatty acid profile has excellent moisturising and hydrating properties. Additionally, its high antioxidant content makes it a soothing treatment for dry, damaged or matured skin.
“Through research support from the Agricultural Research Centre (ARC) in Semenggok and Sarawak Biodiversity Centre, we are incorporating all these benefits into the processing of Borneo Botanicals bodycare products,” he pointed out.
Apart from ‘dabai’, Borneo Botanicals also include native produce such as Sarawak’s pepper, sago, brown rice, ‘kacang ma’, ‘serai wangi (citronella) and turmeric into its skincare line.
Already, the products had been sent to France and the principality of Monaco (Monte Carlo) for trial orders.
“We are working closely and actively with Matrade (Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation), seeking the agency’s advice and services to expand our market overseas by tapping into their market information, seminars, workshops, briefings and business networking,” highlighted Cassandra.