The depreciation of the Malaysian Ringgit discourages local manufacturers from importing foreign raw materials and compels them to find cheaper local substitutes. Substantial government allocation for the agricultural sector may also benefit the herbal industry. In addition, increasing consumer preference to natural products instead of drugs could accelerate the development of the local herbal industry. Unfortunately, poor manufacturing process especially in the area of GMP may prove critical and could limit this development. They must find and utilise technology that can improve product quality in order to penetrate overseas markets especially in Europe, USA, and Japan which have stringent regulation on foods and herbal products.
Irradiation can be the answer to the current woes of the herbal industry in Malaysia.