Animal testing in Malacca: Animal lovers can have a say

Allison Lai The Star 1 Jun 10;

MALACCA: The state welcomes dialogues with animal lovers and activists on the proposal to set up a cancer and diabetes laboratory that has caused a public uproar because it involves testing on animals.

Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Ali Rustam made the invitation after his announcement in April on the laboratory in Rembia, Alor Gajah drew negative response from animal rights groups including over the social network website Facebook.

“We are willing to meet them to get their feedback and clarify the use of animals in the lab tests,” he said here.

Mohd Ali had on May 28, during a meeting with his Facebook friends at The Curve, Kuala Lumpur, said God created animals to be used by humans, including to be eaten and animals needed to be sacrificed in order to find vaccines and cure for diseases.

Yesterday, he reiterated his stand that animal testing with regards to disease research was acceptable if carried out according to proper guidelines set by the relevant authorities.

“I defend my previous statement. Why are people making it such an issue?” he said.

It is learnt that the laboratory would be set up by Vivo BioTech (M) Sdn Bhd, a joint venture between India-based Vivo BioTech Ltd and Vanguard Creative Technologies Sdn Bhd.

A canine from Holland, white mice, and local primates are said to be used for tests in this laboratory.

Among groups objecting to the laboratory are British Union for the Abolition of Vivisection, European Coalition to End Animal Expe­riments and Selangor Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals.