TROPICAL BIOESSENCE TO EXPORT ESSENTIAL OILS TO FRANCE

By Fadzli Ramli

MELAKA (Malaysia), Aug 18 (Bernama) -- Tropical Bioessence Sdn Bhd, a
subsidiary of Malacca Biotechnology Corporation (MCB), will soon export herbal
and food-based oil extracts to France, once the corporation's manufacturing
plant is ready in September.

The company was orginally structured as a producer of essential oils and
herbal extracts to end users, but has since grown to become a major supplier of
essential oils, essential oil-based products and also herbal extracts in
Malaysia.

"We will work with two French companies to market the products in France
where demand for our oil extracts has grown by leeps and bounds," said Malacca
Biotechnology Corp's Chief Executive Officer Zam Abdul Karim here Wednesday.

She told Bernama that oil extraction was one of the earliest research
activity undertaken by the corporation in 2005 and essential oil extracts were
commercialised in 2007.

Citrus and lemon grass extracts are most sought after in the making of soap
and aromatherapy oils, which is wiely used at spas, throughout the country.

Zam said besides oil extracts, the corporation also planned to market
perfumes, made from the strong-scented frangipani flower, to France.

It was also teaming up with French-based Institute of Genetics Nantes
Atlantique (IGNA) to develop DNA analysis for use in forensics and to detect
halal products.

"The cooperation will be forged through our new subsidiary, Rintiz
Bioscience Sdn Bhd. Europe is our market and France is the best country to kick
off this project," she said.

Zam disclosed that research was currently being conducted on churning out
health and cosmestic products from fruit peels and seeds which are known to be
rich in antioxidants.

Research is also being initiated to convert banana tree trunks into coal,
for use as fuel, and also as an ordour repellent.

Zam said there were six research laboratories operating under the
corporation which undertook various phases of research which would culminate in
many products being commercialised.

"A toxicology laboratory was launched on July 30 which carries out research
on food, chemicals, pesticides and medical equipment," she added.

Zam also said the corporation assumed an important role in positioning
Malacca as an investment haven.

Through seminars and courses, the corporation had succeeded in training
locals, from various backgrounds, to participate in the biotechnology sector
which was developing rapidly in the country.
-- BERNAMA


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