No necessity to keep DNA profile of every M'sians
Published: Jun 16, 2010 8:32 AM | Updated: Jun 16, 2010 8:32 AM
There is no necessity at present for the storing of DNA profiles of every citizen of this country, said Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop.
He said the provisions of the DNA Identification Act 2009 required the storing and preservation of DNA profiles from samples taken from suspects, at crime scenes and from the missing persons index.
There is no necessity at present for the storing of DNA profiles of every citizen of this country, said Deputy Home Minister Abu Seman Yusop.
He said the provisions of the DNA Identification Act 2009 required the storing and preservation of DNA profiles from samples taken from suspects, at crime scenes and from the missing persons index.
"The main objective of the DNA data bank is to store and preserve DNA samples for the purpose of identifying persons in forensic investigations," he said in reply to a question from Md Sirat Abu (BN-Bukit Katil) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Md Sirat wanted to know whether the ministry planned to enforce the use of DNA data bank so that each citizen of this country has a DNA record which could be used for detection in providing evidence and solving of cases.
Abu Seman said DNA profiles and related information stored in the DNA data bank could be used in detecting human life in a disaster and identifying people, whether dead or alive.
"At the moment, no country has a DNA data bank for its whole population. This is because DNA analyses involve high cost for the infrastructure including laboratories, and equipment and chemical reagents required for the analyses.
To a supplementary question from Md Sirat on whether DNA test results could be disputed from the legal viewpoint, Abu Seman said so far the courts had accepted DNA proof, but it was not stated whether the DNA proof was conclusive evidence.
"Taking of DNA sample is on a voluntary basis and requires the individual's permission, before the sample is taken by the investigating police officer to the Chemistry Department for analysis," he said.
- Bernama
He said the provisions of the DNA Identification Act 2009 required the storing and preservation of DNA profiles from samples taken from suspects, at crime scenes and from the missing persons index.
"The main objective of the DNA data bank is to store and preserve DNA samples for the purpose of identifying persons in forensic investigations," he said in reply to a question from Md Sirat Abu (BN-Bukit Katil) in the Dewan Rakyat today.
Md Sirat wanted to know whether the ministry planned to enforce the use of DNA data bank so that each citizen of this country has a DNA record which could be used for detection in providing evidence and solving of cases.
Abu Seman said DNA profiles and related information stored in the DNA data bank could be used in detecting human life in a disaster and identifying people, whether dead or alive.
"At the moment, no country has a DNA data bank for its whole population. This is because DNA analyses involve high cost for the infrastructure including laboratories, and equipment and chemical reagents required for the analyses.
To a supplementary question from Md Sirat on whether DNA test results could be disputed from the legal viewpoint, Abu Seman said so far the courts had accepted DNA proof, but it was not stated whether the DNA proof was conclusive evidence.
"Taking of DNA sample is on a voluntary basis and requires the individual's permission, before the sample is taken by the investigating police officer to the Chemistry Department for analysis," he said.
- Bernama
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