Status of Biotechnology Regulation with Emphasis on Public Participation and Awareness in Malaysia

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Status of Biotechnology Regulation with Emphasis
on Public Participation and Awareness in Malaysia
By Wan Kelthom Wan Hassan Department
of Agriculture Malaysia
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Biotechnology statement by Malaysias Prime
Minister
that biotechnology had great potential in
Malaysia and it could be a catalyst for new
growth areas in the countrys economy as well as
a source of new wealth and income for the people.
Biotech is useful in many areas-agriculture,livest
ock farming, herbal industry and traditional and
modern medicine. Kuala Lumpur 15 June 2004
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Biotechnology in Malaysia

• The main players are
• MOSTI Ministry of Science, Technology and
  Innovation
• BIOTEK - National Biotechnology Directorate

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7 BCCs Biotechnology Cooperation Centres

• Plant
• Food
• Animal
• Molecular Biology
• Medical
• Environment/Industry
• Biopharmacy

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Recent Developments

• Biovalley - Bioresearch Institute
• - Universities
• - Private Companies
• MMBPP - Malaysia-MIT Biotechnology
• Partnership Programme

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Biosafety

• GMAC (Genetic Modification Advisory Council)
• Identifies and manages risks
• Produces Biosafety Guidelines eg
• in importation, research

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Competent Authorities
Examples Dept. of Agriculture Dept. of
Veterinary Science Institute of Medical
Research
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The Biosafety Bill
Drafted in 1997 To be passed by Malaysian
Parliament very soon.
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Public Participation and Awareness

• BIOTEK Webpage
• BIOTEK Promotional Programmes
• The national news media
• Conferences/ Public Seminars
• Brochures, booklets (Multilingual)

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The Communication Challenge
To tell the public both sides of the coin
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Steps

• Baseline data Knowledge, attitude and
  practice (KAP) survey
• Design the messages
• Identify target groups
• Determine the communication channels
• Send the messages
• Evaluate

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Communication Channels

• Mass media
• Newspapers, TV, internet
• Other channels
• Expositions, conferences, seminars
• Billboards, bus bodies

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Conclusion
The biotech package must come in with a built-in
communication strategy. The public deserves to
know the good and the bad of biotechnology. Let
the public decide.