Biotech Updates

Malaysian Biosafety Act in Force

December 4, 2009

After a series of consultation with the industry and other stakeholders, the regulations to support the Biosafety Act which was gazetted in 2007 was approved by the House of Representatives (Dewan Rakyat). With this, the Biosafety Act is in force effective December 1, 2009. The National Biosafety Board will be established which will be comprised of the Secretary General of the Ministry of Natural Resources and Environment, representatives from Ministry of Agriculture and Agro-based Industry, Ministry of Health, Ministry of Plantation Industry and Commodities, Ministry of Domestic Trade, Co-operatives and Consumerism, Ministry of International Trade and Industry, Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation, and not more than four other persons with knowledge and/or experience in any disciplines or matters relevant to this Act. The GMAC is also expected to be revamped and made into a formal entity.

It is envisaged that the Biosafety Act and the supporting bodies will be enabling tools to promote modern biotechnology while taking necessary measures to minimize any risks involved.

For more information, visit http://www.biosafety.nre.gov.my/. Further inquiries can be sent to Mr. Letchumanan Ramatha at letchu@nre.gov.my or biosafety@nre.gov.my