Call Prefix : PR-AMS

Call Suffix : 2001

Call Cutter : BIC72

Location : SEARCA Library

Format : Printed

Publication Date : November 2001

Summary : In Malaysia, research on transgenic crops has been given emphasis on papaya, rice, orchid, oil palm, and rubber. Two most widely available transformation technologies are presently used to introduce any specific gene construct into a plant to develop transgenic crops, namely the Agrobacterium-mediated transfer system and the biolistic transformation system. Of these five crops, papaya and rice have reached advanced stages of transgenic development from which potential breakthroughs could be possible in the near future. These may represent be the first materials that will probably go for field trials. After a number of national consultative discussions this year, Malaysia has now a finalised draft law on biosafety. The Biosafety Bill is expected to be passed by the Parliament in 2002. There has been a great deal of controversy in the past few years about the introduction of genetically modified crops and foods in many countries including Malaysia although to a lesser extent. These GMOs have provoked fears and unforeseen hazards to health and environment, and also religious and ethical objections. Since the controversy over biotechnology has far exceeded use, may be much more efforts are needed to promote and increase public awareness. Whether consumers will accept or reject the transgenic crops or products will very much depend on their confidence in rish assessment and risk management, and the regulatory process itself.