Bernama.com (Malaysian National News Agency), September 12, 2006 20:55 PM

Johor Sets Aside RM6 Mln For Biotechnology

JOHOR BAHARU, Sept 12 (Bernama) -- The state government has allocated RM6 million for the Johor Biotechnology and Biodiversity Corporation to conduct programmes related to biotechnology.

State Agriculture and Agro Based Industry Committee chairman, Ahmad Zahri Jamil said of the sum, RM2.5 million would be spent this year and another RM3.5 million next year.

Replying to a question from Abdul Rashid Abdul Mokti (BN-Sedili) at the state Assembly sitting here Tuesday, Ahmad Zahri said the allocation covered all administrative activities, human resource and finance, research, product development, incubator and research as well as marketing and commercial activities.

On programmes and projects based on biotechnology being promoted by the corporation, he said most of the proposed programmes were expected to stimulate the Johor economy and were not expected to have a negative impact on people and the environment.

"These include the introduction of biotechnology to school and varsity students, promoting organic agriculture, research on the effectiveness and benefits of herbs as well as encouraging the use of effective micro-organism for household use, control against pollution in the environment and the agriculture sector," he said.

Meanwhile, chairman of the state domestic trade and consumer affairs committee, Datuk K.S Balakrishnan said Johor was short of between 3,000 and 4,000 metric tons of sugar at present.

Replying to a question from Datuk Haris Salleh (BN-Sungai Abong) on the sugar shortage in the market, Balakrishnan said Johor was now receiving about 10,000 metric tons of sugar only compared to 13,000 metric tons early January to February this year.

"The problem is expected to be solved before the start of the festive season next month and the Ministry of Domestic Trade and Consumer Affairs is currently monitoring the distribution of sugar from factories, wholesalers, retailers and consumers," he said.

-- BERNAMA