INTERACTIVE: East Malaysia leads nation in GI-protected products

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI 

PETALING JAYA: East Malaysia holds the most registered geographical indication (GI) products in the country, according to data from the Intellectual Property Corporation of Malaysia (MyIPO).

Since 2003, MyIPO has received a total of 167 GI applications, comprising 147 local submissions and 20 from foreign producers seeking protection in Malaysia.

Of these, 110 local applications and 18 foreign applications were successfully registered.

To date, 128 products are protected under the Geographical Indications Act, with Sabah and Sarawak leading the national tally at 32 GIs each. 

The two states continue to anchor Malaysia’s GI landscape, driven by their rich food heritage, agricultural diversity, and traditional craft specialties.

In Sarawak, the Sibuti district recorded the highest number of GI registrations with five products, including Belacan Sibuti, Buah Tarap Sibuti, and Daun Sabong Sibuti.

Beyond district-level products, Sarawak also has 19 statewide GIs, including household names such as Sarawak Pepper, Sarawak Beras Biris and Sarawak Layered Cake (Kek Lapis Sarawak).

Meanwhile in Sabah, Kota Belud leads with five district-level GIs, including Tenunan Iranun Kota Belud, Penjaram Kota Belud, and Liking Kota Belud.

Sabah also boasts seven state-level GIs, among them Sabah Seaweed, Sabah Batik, Kolupis Sabah and Bosou Sabah.

Several of Malaysia's most recognisable agricultural icons are also GI-protected, including four durian varieties — Musang King, Black Thorn, Durian Balik Pulau (Penang), and Durian Nyekak Sarawak.

The country's famed Harumanis mango from Perlis also holds GI status.

The year 2014 marked the peak of GI activity, with 25 registrations, the highest ever recorded in a single year.

So far this year, only one product has secured GI status – Songket Terengganu.

MyIPO defines a Geographical Indication as a name or sign that identifies a product as originating from a specific location, where its quality, characteristics or reputation are closely linked to that place.

Under Malaysian law, registered proprietors hold exclusive rights to use the GI, authorise others to use it, and pursue legal action against misuse.

GI protection spans multiple categories, including wine and spirits, food and beverages, agricultural produce, handicrafts and textiles.

Registration is valid for 10 years from the filing date and can be renewed indefinitely in 10-year cycles.

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