USM empowering stingless bee honey via clinical studies, strategic cooperation. [Website] (In Press)
Abstract
KOTA BHARU, May 20 (Bernama) -- Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) is playing an important role in supporting the development of the country's stingless bee (kelulut) honey industry by highlighting the effectiveness and nutritional value of the product through various clinical studies, thus raising consumer and farmer confidence in local honey.
USM Kelulut Honey researcher, Dr Mohd Zulkifli Mustafa said among the main challenges in the industry at present is the negative perception of consumers who consider honey on the market to be artificial or has been mixed with other ingredients, thereby affecting trust in honey-based products.
“USM sees the need to help entrepreneurs explain to the public the benefits of kelulut honey, which has been scientifically proven through 17 clinical studies, including in the fields of antidepressants, sinusitis and stroke.
“We also provide standard operating procedures (SOP) to farmers and guidance to improve product quality and consumer confidence,” he told reporters in conjunction with the 2025 World Bee Day celebration at the Advanced National Honey Landmark (AnNaHL) Translation Centre, USM Health Campus, here, today.
He said USM closely collaborates with Darul Naim Entrepreneur of Stingless Bee Society (DRONESS), which has brought together more than 165 farmers with more than 5,500 kelulut beehives throughout Kelantan since 2012.
According to him, the approach to farming kelulut honey is far different compared to forest honey obtained through hunting, which makes it difficult for consumers to access the product.
“Farmers can now harvest kelulut honey and send samples to USM for the purification process and quality testing. We also encourage them to develop their own brands so that the products they produce are more valuable than selling wholesale,” he said.
He said that so far, 4,000 farmers nationwide have shown commitment in producing high-quality kelulut honey, as a result of guidance and support from various parties, including universities and related agencies.
At the same time, he also called on consumers to obtain natural honey directly from legal farmers who are now easily accessible nationwide to combat the sale of fake honey.
“We are confident that consumers will get the best benefits from the nutrients of natural kelulut honey, and this effort can further strengthen the local honey industry,” he said.
| Item Type: | Website |
|---|---|
| Keywords: | kelulut honey, stingless bee, fake honey |
| Taxonomy: | By Niche > Kelulut (Stingless Bee) > Anatomy By Niche > Kelulut (Stingless Bee) > Breeding By Niche > Kelulut (Stingless Bee) > Research |
| Local Content Hub: | Niche > Kelulut (Stingless Bee) |
| Depositing User: | Norairin Natasya Zulkifli |
| Date Deposited: | 25 Sep 2025 04:30 |
| Last Modified: | 25 Sep 2025 04:30 |
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