Kuala Lumpur, May 09: A DNA data bank will be created to assist enforcement agencies, particularly the police, in tracking down criminals in the country, a Malaysian minister has said. Dr Rais Yatim, a minister in the Prime Minister's department, said through such a bank all aspects of determination in terms of crime, which needed case exhibits or clear proofs, could be coordinated for use in courts based on the "admissibility of evidence" concept.

He also said through the data bank, Malaysia could exchange DNA information rapidly to check cross-border crimes. "If we don't have adequate DNA profiles and data, then our criminal legal system and the legal system on criminal administration are not complete," he said here late last night.

He said most of the developed countries such as Britain, Australia, the United States and New Zealand had already moved towards this and Malaysia should also implement it. Rais said discussion on the setting up of the DNA data bank system was still at the initial stage and it was hoped that it could be realised as soon as possible even if it was expected to take a long time.

Bureau Report