Kota Kinabalu: A personal search for better health grew into a business dedicated to reviving the centuries-old herbal traditions of the Nusantara, and opening of Jamu Haus Borneo by entrepreneur Zaklean Ansari Zambri.
The outlet, at Anjung Selera is the second after its flagship in Cyberjaya, and aims to promote natural wellness through traditional Indonesian and Sabah herbal drinks, while creating new opportunities for local herb growers.
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Zaklean said the idea for Jamu Haus was born from her own experience with recurring health problems.
“I used to fall sick very often, even when I was still in school. Before Covid, I travelled to Jakarta while suffering from a cough that lasted for two months. A friend brought me to a jamu café, and after drinking the herbal beverages, my health improved significantly,” she said during the opening Sunday.
Inspired by the experience, she travelled across Jakarta, Bali and Yogyakarta to learn the art and science of traditional jamu making before returning home to prepare herbal drinks for herself and friends.
“I started making jamu at home for myself and my friends. Then more and more people started ordering it, and that’s how Jamu Haus was born,” she said.
Zaklean said the decision to expand to Sabah was because many of the key ingredients are produced locally, such as the especially potent Sabah ginger.
Combined with Indonesian herbs like temulawak and cardamom, the harmonious blend in the jamu represents the wider Nusantara herbal tradition.
Her Cyberjaya outlet has attracted many international customers, particularly from Australia and the United Kingdom, who actively seek fresh turmeric and ginger drinks without sugar or artificial additives.
She believes growing awareness of turmeric as a “superfood” presents an opportunity for Sabah to become a centre for premium herbal beverages using locally sourced ingredients.
Zaklean said Jamu Haus hopes to work with local farmers to develop Sabah’s indigenous herbs into commercial products while establishing a platform for herbal education.
“If farmers in Sabah have these herbs, please bring them to us. We want to help promote their produce and develop traditional herbal drinks from Sabah.
“We also hope to establish a Sabah Herbal Committee to educate the public and collaborate with Indonesian researchers who have already conducted extensive research on jamu,” she said, hoping the committee will promote public education, encourage research collaboration with Indonesia and create a stronger market for locally grown medicinal plants.
