Selangor Journal
Picture by HANS RENIERS/UNSPLASH

Malaysia’s forensic experts among best in Asia

17KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 25 — Forensic experts in the Chemistry Department are among the best in Asia and are almost on par with developed countries.

Energy, Science, Technology, Environment and Climate Change Deputy Minister, Isnaraissah Munirah Majilis said there are about 300 forensic experts in the Chemistry Department including its head office in Petaling Jaya and 12 branches nationwide.

She said it encompasses expertise in all fields such as DNA forensics, narcotics, environment, toxicology, criminalistics and paternity which plays a very important role despite working behind the scene.

“The Chemistry Department has a talented team of experts who are among the pioneers in Asia.

“Similarly in terms of equipment, we have the latest laboratory instruments which enable all forensic works to be carried out here without having to refer to overseas facilities,” she told reporters after opening the new Terengganu Chemistry Department building here today.

Also present was Chemistry Department director-general, Mohamed Zaini Abdul Rahman.

Commenting further, Isnaraissah said at the moment the Chemistry Department handles about 20,000 samples every day including cases on drugs, crime, environmental pollution, food and others.

According to her, despite the rather large volume of samples, the efficiency of experts and support from professional management officers have enabled sample analysis to be conducted quickly.

“Based on the report of the department’s customer charter achievement from January to September this year, the overall average performance of state and branch laboratories is 96.6 per cent.

“This is an achievement and we hope to improve to reach 100 per cent next year,” she said.

On its new building in Terengganu, Isnaraissah said apart from conducting tests on narcotics, environment, toxicology and criminalistics, the state is also equipped with two new laboratories, namely the Forensic DNA Analysis Centre and Water Analysis Centre which would be the reference for the eastern zone.

 

— Bernama

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