Biological Toxins and Weapons Convention (BTWC) - Status in Malaysia

 
   1. The topic was an Idea Exchange programme of the Academy of Sciences Malaysia held on July 28, 2015 at its premises on the 20th Floor MARTRADE Building, Kuala Lumpur to enlighten its Fellow members on the status of biological weapons both in the country and other parts of the world.  The lecture was delivered by Dr. Zalina Yunus.  It was participated by an estimated 50 individuals. It is a new topic to me and whatever knowledge I have about it is related to the Iraqi War which was alleged to have started when the Western powers accused Iraq of producing weapons of mass destruction, usually referred to as biological weapons.  

2.  Biological weapons and toxins are infectious agents such as bacteria, viruses and fungi that are released to the environment for hostile purposes such as destroying  humans, livestock and crops. According to Dr. Zalina, each country has a different list of biological weapons and toxins and realising the potential threat to international peace and security of these easily and cheaply produced
destructive organisms, BTWC that came into force in March 1975, bans the development, production, stockpiling and acquisition of biological agents that have the potential to be harmful to mankind. Malaysia is a party and signatory of the Convention and to date, 172 countries are parties aand signatories to the Convention.  Dr. Zalina also indicated that among the challenges facing the country on this issue are lack of resources in terms of manpower and funds to undertake research, containment of these microorganisms that can easily be carried by animal host such as SARS or MERS,

  3.  Googling in the internet provides lots of information on the subject. Biological weapons have been used early in our history.  During Roman times dead animals were used to foul water supply of the enemies. In more recent times anthrax was used to infect livestock and rice blast to destroy rice crops.  Among the 'scariest bioweapons' listed on one website are plague, smallpox, Ebola haemorrhagic fever, Tularemia bacteria, Botulinum toxin, Nipah virus in Malaysia that are spread through livestock rearers who handle pigs, Chimera virus, Rice blast and Rinderpest virus

Posted on October 4, 2015