Melaka To Have Eight Biotechnology Projects Under 9MP

MELAKA, April 1 (Bernama) -- The special RM2 billion allocation under the Ninth Malaysia Plan (9MP) for the development of biotechnology industry can help revive eight biotechnology projects proposed for the state.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohamed Ali Rustam said the eight projects to be undertaken by the Melaka Biotechnology Corporation were stalled since the last three years due to the lack of funds.
"The state government proposed eight biotechnology projects to the federal government. I hope the allocation for the projects can be approved," he told reporters after officiating a medical seminar on stroke and the launching of the Melaka Stroke Foundation at Seri Negeri, Ayer Keroh, near here, Saturday.
Mohamed Ali said the allocation for the projects can be provided in the form of loan, grant and venture capital.
"We have projects in mind that can bring in revenue through research and development (R&D)," he said.
He said the government should also use the R&D allocation for biotechnology to reduce the overall cost of projects.
"If the government utilises the R&D allocation, more projects can be launched as we have many research in the universities but never commercialised ...," he said.
He said its a long road in developing biotechnology as it involves intensive research and financial resources.
Mohamed Ali said the government's effort in introducing special allocation for R&D under the 9MP will help develop the biotechnology field effectively.