Study On Security Risks Of Nanotechnology Products Underway - Malaysian Minister

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 12 (Bernama) -- A study on security risks involving nanotechnology materials and products in the market is underway to ensure they are safe in line with technological developments. Malaysian Deputy Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation Dr Abu Bakar Mohamad Diah said the study on 125 products is being carried out under the National Nanotechnology Centre, formerly known as the National Nanotechnology Directorate (NND). "If there is a doubt regarding a certain product, we will set a standard or method to address the problem," he told reporters after launching the National Nano (NanoKEB) programme at the Malaysia Technology Park, here Tuesday. He said the results of the study will be used as guidance for the future direction of the country's science, technology and innovation sector. Abu Bakar also disclosed that for the past seven years (2008-2015), 364 nanotechnology-related research projects have been funded by the ministry with the amount totalling more than US$39.40 million (RM165 million). Earlier, Abu Bakar said the rebranding of the National Nanotechnology Directorate to become the National Nanotechnology Centre from Oct 3 onwards showed the government's efforts to boost the development of nanotechnology. "With the global market for nanotechnology in 2020 estimated at US$3 trillion, the government hopes that local companies will be able to capture one per cent of the global market with an estimated contribution of US$3 billion as a new source of the country's economic growth," he said. Commenting on the three-day National Nano program, he said various activities have been lined up including an exhibition on the development of technology, a national-level competition on nanotechnology innovation research projects (PIN), a nano security action plan workshop and nano cellulose development workshop. At the event, Abu Bakar also presented prizes to the winners of the PIN competition. They were Mohammad Nuzaihan Md Nor from Universiti Malaysia Perlis for Ph.D category, Md Shariful Islam from Universiti Malaya (Masters category) and Nada Nadhirah Rosni of Sekolah Menengah Kebangsaan Besout, Sungkai, Perak (secondary school category). --BERNAMA