NO NECESSITY TO KEEP DNA PROFILE OF EVERY MALAYSIAN

KUALA LUMPUR, June 16 (Bernama) -- 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, a member of Parliament in the
House of Representatives Wednesday.

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