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AgBiotech

Selangor is heading the push to modernizing the agriculture sector as it began the agrotechnology development programme in 1996. The programme, aimed at making agriculture Malaysia’s third economic growth engine, has seen Selangor’s agrotechnology parks focusing on developing R&D and to develop the industry to be more dynamic and progressive.

   
In other news, the new technique of “fertigation” has being getting more acceptance for commercial production. The farming technique, coined from the term fertilizer and irrigation, was introduced by GM Peladang in Terengganu, and is conducted by utilizing basic farming techniques and strict planting schedules. It is possible for anyone interested to set up this technique in a backyard for as little as RM400, reaping substantial rewards as a result.

Similarly, Kedah looks set to become a major producer of high quality latex and rubber timber as a new hybrid is about to be released next year. The tree is about three times the size of present ones and may produce three time more the amount of latex from current trees. The hybrid was a culmination of 20 years for research and grafting and is envisioned to boost and revolutionise the nations rubber industry.

                       
Environment    
With the population of turtles declining rapidly, various quarters have been introducing measures to help prevent the extinction of the fragile species. Plans for a research collaboration between the Philippines, Indonesia and Malaysia aimed at the conservation of sea turtles and other wildlife have been announced recently. The project, which involves the formation of a corridor spanning the southern part of Philippines, the northern point of Sabah to the east coast and East Kalimantan, is a tri-national effort to set up a protected network by the Sulu-Sulawesi Marine Ecoregion project.
 
Similarly, conservationists at the Turtle and Marine Ecosystem Center introduced high tech solutions in hopes of being able to further prevent the population decline. Turtles are being tracked by transmitters installed onto the carapace of turtles being released to track the migration patterns of the Green turtles. By picking up the signals, researchers are able to get information pertaining to their location and feeding habits.
 
Investment

Foreign investors have expressed interest in what Malaysia has to offer in the agri and biotech sectors. This includes the Netherlands. whom are keen in getting involved with the production of biodiesel for the Dutch market, according to their ambassador, Jonkheer John von Muhlen. Similarly, US firms are seriously considering investing in the Malaysian biotechnology industry following the recent government emphasis. According to the American Malaysian Chamber of Commerce, there has been an increase in new American projects from January to June this year, doubling that of 2004.

 

In line with current trends, the Selangor government announced their commitment to the sector through the approval of the Selangor Biotechnology Strategy. Managed by UNISEL through the State Biotechnology Business and Entrepreneurship Development Center, the SBS is expected to attract many investors dollars to the state.

Concurrently, Malacca is increasingly being thrust into the limelight under the guiding hand of Professor Farida Habib Shah into becoming a global player for the industry. Since taking the helm of Malacca’s biotech venture, she has been the driving force behind bringing Malacca into the biotech era.
 
Industry & Trade
There has been a surge in the number of biotech patents applied locally, as figures rose from 405 in 2000 to 2,347 last year. The trend has been reflective of the surge in interest in the industry as the government threw their support behind the formation of locally grown biotech companies under the National Biotech Policy. Similarly, it reflects the understanding of local companies on the importance of having their findings safeguarded.
   
The Malaysian Palm Oil Board plans to export bio-diesel to Europe. as soon as next year with the completion of the first biodiesel plant. The plant, slated to begin construction next month, will take a year to complete and may help Malaysia divert the excess supply of palm oil to the ever thirsty tanks of petrol-guzzling cars. Malaysian scientists have started looking at palm oil diesel as an alternative source of fuel as early as the 1980s.
                       
Medical

Malaysia is polio-free, announced Health Minister Datuk Dr. Chua Soi Lek, in response to the recent report by the WHO of a polio outbreak in Indonesia. He maintained that as compulsory immunization has a 99% guarantee against polio infection, and that since so far, 95% of Malaysians are vaccinated against the disease, the ministry is not worried of a polio outbreak within Malaysian soils.

However, the ministry would intensify checks in rural areas and borders where vaccination may have not been administered.

     
 
 
Policy  

Despite the current surge of interest in biotechnology, Malaysia may just have to outsource to obtain the talent we need to boost the industry. In an interview with the Business Times, CEO of Kelly Services Asia Dhirendra Shantilal believe that Malaysia is still lacking of talent that may give the fledging industry the life-blood it needs. Kelly Services is a unit aimed at catering to the growing need for qualified staff in the life sciences field.

   
Similarly, the government has announced their decision in acquiring intellectual property technologies to give the fledgling biotech sector a boost in the arm. It is hoped that by acquiring such technologies, local companies may participate in developing the products and help develop a more dynamic industry.