The Malaysian government plans to create a favorable environment for the development of ag biotechnology, according to a speech given by Minister of Science, Technology and Innovation, Datuk Seri Dr. Jamaluddin Jarjis, during the International Symposium on Molecular Farming in Plants - "Prospects for the Asia-Pacific." "The Government recognizes agri-biotech as an area with enormous potential for transforming the very nature of modern agriculture in the country," he said.

The country's Science, Technology and Innovation, Plantation Industries and Commodities, Agriculture and Rural and Regional Development agencies will lead the RM11.4 billion ($3.12 billion US) effort to modernize the agricultural sector. The government's plan calls for identifying research and commercial opportunities, and promoting the country as a hub for regional and global markets.

Jarjis said applying biotech advancements to agriculture would bring about cost-effective production, higher yields, superior quality crops, and successful management of plant diseases.

"This, by all means, is a noteworthy aim for a country whose economy depends greatly on farming," Jarjis said. "We should be able to produce foods with greater nutritional value, longer-lasting and perhaps, containing lower levels of naturally occurring toxins," he said.