Malaysia to set up lab against bio-terrorism threat
Malaysia will spend some $US58 million to set up a research centre aimed at guarding its people against the threat of bio-terrorism and new infectious diseases.
Health Minister Chua Jui Meng says the institute will begin operations in 2005 and will be located in the so-called "BioValley", which has been established south of the capital Kuala Lumpur, in line with Malaysia's aim of becoming a bio-technology hub.
Mr Chua says the government has a duty to protect its citizens against terrorists and new infectious diseases, the latest being the Severe Acute Respiratory Syndrome (SARS) and the anthrax scare in the United States following the September 11 attack.
Mr Chua says because of current "geo-political instability", Malaysia, which depends on imported vaccines, may face a shortage if a crisis breaks out.
Mr Chua says the government will source some of the best brains from within and outside the country to work in the medical institute.
27/06/2003 17:20:49 | ABC Radio Australia News
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