Herbal Balms: A Special Souvenir For ASEAN Meeting Delegates

ALOR SETAR, Jan 3 (Bernama) -- Products made from ‘gamat’ (sea cucumber) and herbs will be among the memorable souvenirs prepared for delegates attending the ASEAN 2025 Meetings, which will take place in Langkawi in the middle of this month.

Langkawi geo-product entrepreneur Zuliza Zainon, entrusted with preparing the gift bags, described the task as an exciting experience and a golden opportunity to showcase local products.

“Alhamdulillah, this is a blessing from Allah for the trust placed in us as herbal product entrepreneurs. This opportunity is invaluable for us, the small industry players on this legendary island.

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“The Mahsuri Gold balm, made from citronella, eucalyptus, lemon, and gamat, was selected as the souvenir for the ASEAN meeting delegates,” she told Bernama.

Each balm is packaged in a mini glass container, and neatly arranged in a special box, labelled with the benefits of each type of balm, she added.

Zuliza said herbal and gamat-based products are closely associated with the duty-free island, and are among tourists' top choices to bring home as gifts.

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“We hope our products will reach greater heights by participating in prestigious events like the ASEAN Meetings. We will continue to strive for excellence, to ensure our brand gains international recognition,” she said.

Langkawi Development Authority (LADA) chief executive officer Datuk Haslina Abdul Hamid said to stimulate the local economy during the ASEAN meetings in Langkawi,  local entrepreneurs are encouraged to offer services, such as catering, souvenirs, and tourism activities.

She added that LADA and relevant ministries have placed orders for supplies and services from local suppliers, entrepreneurs, industry players, and the Langkawi community, to support the ASEAN 2025 Meetings in Langkawi.

Starting Jan 1, Malaysia has once again been given the responsibility of hosting major ASEAN meetings, which will begin with the first ASEAN Foreign Ministers' Retreat, on Jan 18 and 19, in Langkawi.

This will be followed by the 46th ASEAN Summit and the ASEAN-Gulf Cooperation Council (GCC)-China Summit, in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the ASEAN Senior Officials Meeting, in Penang, scheduled for May.

-- BERNAMA