Melaka An Important Biotechnology Hub For Malaysia

MELAKA, May 20 (Bernama) -- Melaka is now an important biotechnology hub for Malaysia, Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said Thursday.

He said this status came about from the implemention of programmes like research, technology development, biotechnology products and entrepreneur development programmes and the setting up of joint-venture companies with foreign investors.

Speaking to reporters after opening a molecular biology course for secondary school teachers in the state here, he said Melaka had taken early steps to venture into the biotechnology field by setting up the Melaka Biotechnology Corporation which had two entities -- the Melaka Biotechnology Institute (IBM) and Melaka Biotech Holdings Sdn Bhd (MBHSB).

IBM and MBHSB focused on agricultural biotechnology, health care and industries in line with the National Biotechnology Policy.

He said the biotechnology sector had been identified as a new fast-growing economic development engine at the international level which could help Malaysia achieve high-income status.

To achieve this, the development of suitable manpower must be stepped up and here the schools and teachers played a very important part in producing skilled workers, scientists and professionals with a positive attitude to science and technology, especially biotechnology, he said.