Hope for Asean Summit to address climate change, digitalisation
Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) corporate strategy and relations centre officer, Noor Eszereen Juferi, 44, said this is in line with Asean's commitment to building a more inclusive and sustainable region.
'Climate change and the digital divide...
Try Our AI Features
Explore what Daily8 AI can do for you:
Comments
No comments yet...
Related Articles
The Sun
11 hours ago
- The Sun
Malaysia boosts biosafety enforcement with new partnerships and capacity building
SHAH ALAM: The Ministry of Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability is enhancing capacity-building initiatives and strategic partnerships to address the shortage of skilled professionals in biosafety risk assessment and regulatory enforcement. Deputy Minister Datuk Seri Huang Tiong Sii revealed that the Department of Biosafety currently employs only a small number of qualified technical officers and scientists with expertise in evaluating genetically modified organisms risk. He noted that rapid advancements in modern biotechnology have led to an increasing presence of living modified organisms and GMOs across agriculture and healthcare sectors. 'The growing awareness of our biosafety legislation has led to a surge in applications from universities and research institutions,' he stated during his speech at the Biosafety Symposium. Huang explained that this compliance surge places tremendous pressure on their limited pool of technical officers and scientists. 'The challenge is compounded by the need to assess GMO products intended for food, feed and processing, where delays could have serious implications for food security and service delivery to stakeholders,' he added. The ministry is reviewing the Biosafety Act 2007 to ensure it remains responsive to emerging technologies and regulatory grey areas. Other measures include investing in advanced screening technologies, enhancing laboratory capabilities, and strengthening collaboration with expert organisations. The government is improving inter-agency coordination in surveillance, intelligence, and data sharing while restructuring the Department of Biosafety for better regulatory effectiveness. 'Globally, gene-editing technologies like CRISPR-Cas9 have given rise to products that blur traditional GMO definitions, creating regulatory grey areas,' Huang observed. He noted that gene-edited crops containing no foreign DNA cannot be detected using conventional methods, posing major challenges for developing countries like Malaysia. The ease with which GMO products move through informal trade routes and e-commerce platforms further complicates monitoring efforts. Huang stressed the need for Malaysia and other ASEAN members to lead in harnessing innovation responsibly without compromising public health or biodiversity. The event featured an exchange of strategic cooperation documents with the Malaysian Border Control and Protection Agency to strengthen Biosafety Act enforcement. This collaboration reinforces control over GMOs at entry points while enhancing officer training and improving data sharing procedures. – Bernama
Free Malaysia Today
16 hours ago
- Free Malaysia Today
Unpacking the truth about palm oil consumption
Research has shown that, when used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, palm oil does not pose health risks. (Freepik pic) KUALA LUMPUR : A recent national survey commissioned by Pertubuhan Transformasi Dayak found that 37% of Malaysians believe palm oil causes high cholesterol. This finding highlights a widespread misconception that should be clarified through better public health communication and science-based education. While palm oil is often misunderstood and wrongly assumed to contribute to high cholesterol and heart disease, it is a plant-based oil that contains no dietary cholesterol. The assumption that it is harmful likely stems from outdated or oversimplified views on dietary fats. A comprehensive review published in the National Library of Medicine in 2023 analysed 31 studies involving nearly 2,400 participants. The findings showed that palm oil does not increase the risk of cardiovascular disease when compared to other commonly used vegetable oils such as soybean, olive, or sunflower. The study also found no significant negative effects on cholesterol levels in healthy individuals. Palm oil has a balanced fatty acid profile, with approximately 50% saturated fat, 40% monounsaturated (heart-healthy) fats and 10% polyunsaturated fats. This composition can help reduce LDL (bad) cholesterol. Moreover, palm oil is naturally trans-fat free and does not undergo the industrial hydrogenation process that may create trans fats in other oils. Trans fats are typically produced by partially hydrogenating liquid vegetable oils to extend shelf life and change texture. This process alters the fat's structure and introduces well-documented health risks. Palm oil, by contrast, is naturally semi-solid at room temperature and stable during high-heat cooking, eliminating the need for hydrogenation. Instead of placing blame on a single ingredient, Malaysians are urged to look at their overall lifestyles, including diets and activity levels. (Envato Elements pic) It is also important to recognise that high cholesterol is usually the result of a combination of factors. These include poor diets, lack of physical activity, smoking, stress, inadequate sleep, or genetics. Singling out palm oil oversimplifies a complex issue and distracts from the more significant contributors to cardiovascular risk. Palm oil is widely used in Malaysian households. It is locally produced, widely used, and economically important. It is also affordable and accessible to the majority of households. When used in moderation as part of a balanced diet, palm oil does not pose any health risks. As we continue to encourage healthy lifestyles, we must ensure our public messaging reflects current scientific understanding. Outdated assumptions should not guide how we view food and health; instead, a more informed, balanced conversation around nutrition should be fostered. Malaysians are also urged to shift the focus from blame to balance. Instead singling out an ingredient, look at overall lifestyles, including diets, activity levels, stress, and habits. It is equally important for policymakers, educators, and healthcare professionals to come together and strengthen public understanding. When we ground our decisions in science instead of speculation, we make real progress in improving heart health. This article was written by Dr Malar Santhi Santherasegapan, a medical doctor and social media health influencer.
The Star
3 days ago
- The Star
Use human values to deal with AI challenge, says Anwar
SEPANG: Malaysians have to face challenges concerning the use of artificial intelligence (AI) head-on by emphasising humanistic values and critical thinking, says Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim. The Prime Minister acknowledged that these challenges are present because the country is embarking on something new. He emphasised on the importance of paying attention to the human element as the country delves into the use of the AI. "We must not only focus on developing expertise but also on nurturing values," he said in response to a question from a Multimedia University (MMU) information technology student. "This way, our people will not face the negative side of technology such as overdependence and will always remember to include the human element," he said during a dialogue at MMU's campus in Cyberjaya on Monday (Aug 18) after launching its new Faculty of Artificial Intelligence and Engineering. MMU student Elisha said she is proud to see AI being developed in Malaysia but expressed worry that students would become overly dependent on it. "What is the government's plan to ensure AI is used wisely while still protecting our critical thinking skills?" asked Elisha during a Q&A session. She said some students prefer to learn using AI instead of attending lectures in person. In response, Anwar reminded students that they have a responsibility to be present in class and learn directly from their teachers. "The way a teacher conveys knowledge is not the same as AI – and this is something that universities and schools must pay attention to," said Anwar. He also said some countries prohibit students from bringing or using smart phones in school and some have banned those under 16 from having social media accounts, adding these rules are there for good and clear reasons.
