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AgBiotech
The agricultural sector is in dire need for skilled workers, according to Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. According to official estimates, the country will need more than 100,000 skilled workers in the industry by 2010, but the government only expects 4000 diploma holders to enter the sector in the next four years. Much more is needed according to current estimates, and the ministry stated that it would be open to the private sector providing training opportunities with the proper accreditation.
 
   
Chillis are a staple in the national diet, and chilli farming has been so profitable that Alamim Muhamad, who has a degree in mechanical engineering finds it sufficient to quit his job as an engineer to focus on the field. His crops are cultivated using an underground fertilizing system with a mixture of sawn wood and soil, and has three times more yield than conventional crops.
Similarly, FELDA’s new biotechnology center is slated to boost productivity in plantations and raise the income of it settlers. The 12,500 square meter facility in Bandar Enstek specializes in cloning technology and is aimed at bolstering the yield of oil palm trees and other crops. FELDA is the largest oil palm seedlings in the country, currently commanding 30% of the market, and the biotechnology center will further bolster its dominance of the market.
Environment

It may be a less known fact that the Cemerong waterfalls are the 2nd highest waterfalls in Asia, but ecstatically it is known as the most beautiful in the country. However, there would soon be much more reasons for nature lovers and scientists to visit the falls soon, as a RM2.8 million biodiversity study center will be built there. The complex will enable scientists and researchers to conduct studies in biodiversity at the waterfalls and Pasir Raja forest reserve.

 

It is possible that a new species of orchid has been found in Camerons, near Jasar Valley. Two environmentalists picking up the specimen which wasn’t flowering at that time, brought it back and cultivated it before expressing great astonishment when it flowered and the flowers were completely unknown to them. Such discoveries is irrefutable evidence of the biological treasure trove Malaysia is current sitting on, and there is much potential in understanding it better.

  
                     
Investment & Trade
 
Local pharma giant Hovid Sdn Bhd, is in the final stages of discussion with India with regards to a production plant to manufacture its generic drugs. Generic drugs are marketed without brand names and cheaper than branded durgs despite being chemically identical, and can only be legally produced after the patent of the drug has expired. The move is noted to be a reaction by the company to the upcoming Malaysia-US free trade agreement which is feared to favour multinational US companies.
 
In other news, a new product being developed by Agriculture and Environmental Technologies Sdn Bhd. is being hailed as a milestone in the composting industry as the new formulation is faster, more environmentally friendly and cheaper. The process utilizes local bacterial strains that may help the composting process and add value to oil palm waste products. The company is currently located in Semenyih and can process up to 10,000 tonnes of empty fruit bunches a day.
 
Latest US legislation aimed at eliminating harmful artificial trans fat from consumers diet has been observed to be beneficial to Malaysian palm oil-based food exporters. The new legislation, which mandated the labeling of artificial trans fat, trans fat made from hydrogenated vegetable oil, in packaged food will allow consumers to identify food with the unhealthy oils. On the other hand, palm oil food manufacturers, being a healthy choice would be able to utilize such leverage in exporting to the US.
 
Policy
According to Deputy Minister of MOSTI, Datuk Kong Cho Ha, Malaysians are being urged to venture into the biotechnology sector as manufacturing industries are being noted to have higher operational costs. The ministry will set up several special funds with the help of other related departments and agencies, in line with the Governments strong push for biotechnology. Malaysians will be able to harness the vast marketing opportunities which the biotechnology industries may provide. Similarly, the Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Ministry is providing agro startup capitals for all, in which applicants can apply for a maximum of RM20,000 for agro-based businesses.
 
 

In other news, farmers are being persuaded to switch to approved padi seedlings beginning 2009 or risk losing their right of enjoying free fertilizer subsidies from the Government, according to Agriculture and Agro-based Industries Minister Tan Sri Muhyiddin Yassin. According to the minister, the decision was made on the basis that the approved seedlings grown would enable farmers to have better yields and the 2009 deadline would be sufficient time to let farmers try out the approved seedlings.
 
MABIC launch
   
Industry leaders and the scientific community converged in MARDI on the 6th of February 2007 celebrating the launch of MABIC’s new direction and logo. The launch, aimed at reenergizing as well as fine-tuning MABIC’s commitment to promoting biotechnology was officiated by Plantation Industries and Commodities parliamentary secretary Datuk Dr. Vijayaratnam S. Seevaratnam. In his opening speech, he supported the use of biotechnology in agriculture lauding greater productivity and yield.
The height of the event, was the launch of the publication of ISAAA’s authoritative tome, Global Status of Biotech/Genetically Modified Crops 2006 report, as well as a talk by ISAAA’s chairman, Dr. Clive James on the findings in the publication. Dr. James also mentioned that the higher yield per-hectare and double crop production on the same area is a process which discourages deforestation.