Kota Kinabalu: Sabah has the potential to become a centre for integrative medicine research and development by tapping into its rich biodiversity and local communities' traditional knowledge, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Hajiji Noor.
In a speech delivered by Assistant Minister to the Chief Minister Datuk Ceasar Mandela Malakun at the 2nd International Conference on Integrative and Complementary Medicine (ICIM 2026) on Saturday, Hajiji stressed that documenting and studying local practices must involve the consent, participation, and fair benefit-sharing of indigenous communities.
He urged local researchers to responsibly introduce Sabah's herbal products and traditional practices internationally, noting that patient safety and rigorous scientific evaluation must remain paramount when expanding healthcare approaches.
Hajiji said broadening medical strategies is vital amid increasingly complex global health challenges, highlighting the role of Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), the Sabah State Health Department, and practitioners in advancing holistic care that incorporates prevention, nutrition, lifestyle, and cultural diversity.
He added that hosting ICIM 2026 aligns with the State Government's aspiration to position Sabah as an academic excellence and medical tourism hub while fostering cross-sector collaborations to deliver inclusive, affordable, and effective public healthcare.
