ALOR SETAR: The Malaysian Chemistry Department is on par with chemistry laboratories in developed countries, said Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Seri Dr Maximus Johnity Ongkili.

This was proven when the department recently received the forensic service accreditation from the American Society of Crime Laboratory Directors/Laboratory Accreditation Board.

The accreditation proves that our laboratory service is on par with that of foreign countries, he said when met after visiting the Chemistry Departments Kedah branch in conjunction with its fifth anniversary here yesterday.

Ongkili said the Chemistry Department had been using new DNA techniques in animal and plant analysis, and analysis studies in forensic and microbiology.

He added that the department was also Asias reference laboratory for genetically modified organisms (GMO), halal analysis and forensic DNA analysis.

Ongkili said the department was now focusing on reducing the waiting period for its clients through better work management, adding that the waiting period for each case was between a day to a month.

The departments Kedah branch handled a total of 14,510 cases involving 31,902 samples. They also helped the police in certain cases especially those relating to drugs and controlled poisons.

Excerpt from:
M’sian lab has the right chemistry for success