Malacca site for toxicology lab

NST: MALACCA: The country's first toxicology laboratory will be set up in the historical city.
The RM4.2 million laboratory, which is expected to be set up in Ayer Keroh, is scheduled to be completed in October.
Its set-up is the result of collaboration between the state Biotechnology Corporation and Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM).
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam said besides focusing on toxicology, the laboratory would also be involved in research and development.
Mohd Ali had earlier witnessed the signing of a memorandum of understanding between Melaka Biotechnology Corporation (MBC) and UKM.
MBC was represented by its chief executive officer Datuk Dr Ramli Hitam and UKM by its deputy vice-chancellor (Research and Innovation) Professor Datuk Dr Ibrahim Komoo.
"We are looking at returns of about RM2 million a year from this venture from 2010," he said.
"Currently, we are producing pure essential oils under the patronage of Malacca Institute of Biotechnology and commercialised by Melaka Biotech Holdings Sdn Bhd.
"This project is aimed at discovering all aromatic plants in the country and to produce essential-oil-based products."
The essential oil factory is in the 10.1ha Biotechnology Park in Londang, Masjid Tanah. Also in the Biotechnology Park is a tissue culture lab researching on banana and herbal plants. The state is also undertaking DNA research through the Malacca Institute of Biotechnology.