Meeting the biosecurity concerns of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) through Malaysia's Strategic Trade Act 2010 and Biosafety Act 2007

Abstract

Biosecurity has been gaining more prominence in Malaysia. The Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (FAO) defines biosecurity to cover Genetically Modified Organisms (GMOs), pests, diseases and invasive alien species. The loss, threat, misuse, theft, diversion or intentional release of pathogens and toxin producing organisms can be prevented through institutional and security measures constituting the Organization for Economic Cooperation and Development's (OECD's) understanding of biosecurity. The purpose of this paper seeks to examine Malaysia's Strategic Trade Act 2010 and the Biosafety Act 2007 whether both laws are capable of addressing the biosecurity of GMOs in the context of the FAO and OECD's definition of this term. The method relied for this study is qualitative based on an analysis or both primary legislations, Malaysian government documents, information from Malaysian government agencies websites, international organization documents and secondary resources. The results from this study indicate that both laws are capable of addressing biosecurity from both the FAO and OECD's perspectives. The Biosafety Act 2007 is very specific to GMOs while the Strategic Trade Act 2010 covers all biological agents including GMOs. Both laws address bioterrorism in harming humans, plants and animals. However, the Strategic Trade Act 2010 has more stringent requirements in monitoring GMOs for research and contained use compared to the Biosafety Act 2007. In conclusion, both laws are current in meeting the advent of biotechnology, the consequences and threats posed. © 2012 WIT Press.