Perlis aims to turn the Se-Jati Geoheritage Market into a tourism and economic hub, targeting over RM100,000 in sales and expanding local teak craft businesses
PADANG BESAR: The Pasar Geowarisan Se-Jati (Se-Jati Geoheritage Market) programme has the potential to become a community economic and tourism icon with a unique identity for Perlis, says Menteri Besar Abu Bakar Hamzah.
Abu Bakar said the programme showed encouraging progress after generating about RM61,000 in sales across 50 stalls in 2025, with sales targeted to exceed RM100,000 during this year’s three-day event.
He said the target was not merely a figure on paper, but reflected the state’s commitment to expanding market reach, attracting more visitors, and creating greater business opportunities for the local community.
“If we can consistently maintain this momentum, I believe the Se-Jati Geoheritage Market will become an economic and tourism icon with a unique identity for Perlis,” he said when opening the Se-Jati Geoheritage Market 2.0 at the Forest Research Institute Malaysia (FRIM) Perlis Research Station’s Teak Eco Park here last night.
Also present was FRIM director-general Datuk Dr Ismail Parlan.
The Se-Jati Geoheritage Market 2.0, which runs from Oct 16 until today, gathers five geoparks under the Northern Network: Perlis Geopark, Langkawi UNESCO Global Geopark, Jerai Geopark, Lenggong UNESCO Global Geopark, and Satun UNESCO Global Geopark in Thailand.
The event features sales of local products, teak crafts, and entrepreneurs’ goods, alongside arts and cultural performances and recreational activities showcasing the northern region’s geoheritage and ecotourism potential.
Meanwhile, Abu Bakar said the state government aims to have at least 15 active Perlis Teak Craft entrepreneurs within the next three to five years, compared with about five at present.
“We want to produce more entrepreneurs, especially among youth. They do not need to start with a large factory; it is enough to begin with skills, ideas, and a small workshop. With proper guidance, technology, financing, and market access, these small businesses can thrive,” he said.
Abu Bakar added that the state’s application for a Geographical Indication (GI) for Perlis Teak Craft is a key strategy to safeguard its identity and enhance the reputation of the state’s local products.
“The application documents have been submitted to the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO) and are currently being evaluated. However, this GI recognition must translate into increased sales and consumer confidence.
“This initiative must also move in tandem with building the brand reputation of Royal Perlis Jati Craft. We want tourists visiting Perlis not only to take home a physical souvenir, but also a ‘story’ of Perlis through a premium product rich in heritage value,” he said.
He also expressed appreciation for the strategic collaboration between the Perlis State Forestry Department and FRIM, formalised through a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Oct 7, 2024.
Abu Bakar said the upcoming focus is to ensure the partnership yields tangible results, translating research into technology, technology into products, products into commercial ventures, and businesses into sustainable income for the people.
“I hope FRIM will continue to contribute research expertise, innovation, and planting materials, while the Perlis State Forestry Department strengthens the sustainable management of teak plantation resources,” he said.
Meanwhile, Ismail said FRIM remains committed to strengthening research and technological support to develop the Perlis Teak Craft industry into a high-value heritage craft that can generate income for local entrepreneurs.
The director-general said research findings must be translated into products, innovations, and services that directly benefit the public and drive economic growth.
“As a research institution, FRIM firmly adheres to the principle that scientific findings must not remain confined to laboratories or journal pages. Instead, research outcomes must be translated into innovations, services, and products that deliver a direct impact on the well-being of the community,” he said.
According to a FRIM statement, 500 teak seedlings contributed by Nam Agrosustain Sdn Bhd will be planted at Teak Eco Park under the “Adopt a Jati” corporate social responsibility (CSR) programme to preserve the ecosystem for future generations.