By Mustakim Ramli
SHAH ALAM, March 17 — State-owned entity Invest Selangor Berhad, via its biotechnology coordination division, is looking to cooperate with domestic and international vaccine experts, particularly those recognised by the World Health Organisation (WHO).
State executive councillor for investment, trade and industry Dato' Teng Chang Khim said the move would create a working partnership with pharmaceutical companies to produce effective and safe vaccines locally.
"This will increase the prestige and ability of Selangor's biotechnology industry to a higher level, enabling it to compete with the international market.
"Selangor can realise this as there are 14 higher education institutions and a few research institutions operating in the country capable of producing their own vaccines," he said in his wind-up address during the State Legislative Assembly earlier today.
Teng added the National Vaccine Development Roadmap (PPVN) also has several types of vaccines currently being researched to see if they can be manufactured in Malaysia.
"Two of these vaccines are for Covid-19, while the other is for head and neck cancer treatment.
"The research to produce the vaccine for Covid-19 will be carried out by the Institute for Medical Research Malaysia in Setia Alam, using deactivated Covid viruses.
"For the time being, the country does not have the facilities to conduct clinical trials to determine the efficacy of the cancer vaccines. Cancer Research Malaysia will conduct these trials in the United Kingdom," he said.
