Fair Trade Initiatives
POTO Natural Soap uses honey and propolis produced by 150 beekeepers under the production guidance of Hisham, who started a beekeeping business in Kedah, Malaysia.
The production and sale of soap made from honey and propolis, which until now has had little utility and was discarded, will sustainably support employment and income, create more jobs, and lead to the independence of local residents.
Hisham is also running a beekeeping business that protects stingless bees, which have excellent pollination abilities, protecting the rich natural environment and ecosystem, and contributing to the realization of biodiversity and the preservation of local culture.
About Hisham Yusof
Hisham Yusof started a beekeeping business in his hometown of Kedah, Malaysia. After suffering a cerebral hemorrhage and serious health problems, he lost hope in life. However, his life changed when someone recommended the health benefits of stingless bee honey and propolis to him.
He then started a small-scale beekeeping business with the support of Teraju Sarawak and Marudi (Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Organisation). In 2020, he collaborated with Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM) and 150 beekeepers in Sarawak, Borneo, to expand the business to six modern beehives. This initiative, called the "Smart Community Programme", aims to increase the income of low-income beekeepers in Sarawak, giving them hope for a new life despite their difficult lives.
100% PURE
Stingless bees are less susceptible to disease, so there is no need to administer antibiotics or miticides, which are problems for honeybees. In addition, beehives are located far from cities and are free of factories, so they are in a safe and secure environment with very little risk of air pollution.
Harvesting is done entirely by hand, without harming the stingless bees. Tests by ISO-certified laboratories have shown no signs of pesticides or antibiotics. 100% pure honey.
Thorough quality control
The propolis used by POTO has been confirmed by the Japan Food Research Laboratories to comply with the voluntary inspection items set by the standards set by the Japan Propolis Council, of which POTO is a member. Inspections for each lot are also confirmed by a Malaysian certification agency.
Awards and Official Certifications
Stingless bee honey has won the BrandLaureate World Halal Best Brand award, and was officially recognized by the Malaysian Book of Records (MBOR) as the first Stingless Bee honey brand to be transported to the summit of Mount Everest in 2016 (with a proven track record of not freezing even at temperatures of -30°C).
It has also been certified as a superfood by the Malaysian Ministry of Agriculture.