Health
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE :
SELANGOR AGAINST RELEASE OF GMO MOSQUITOES.
Shah Alam, Selangor, 30th April 2008, Wednesday – Dr A. Xavier Jayakumar, EXCO for Health.
The Selangor State government strongly objects to the release of GMO Mosquitoes, as past research on other GE insects have failed even in the field trial stage.
This will be the first major release of genetically engineered insects into an ecosystem anywhere on earth, the Selangor State government considers the release of millions of genetically modified terminator mosquitoes into wild ecosystems, a reckless and uncontrolled experiment with a risky technology.
All previous research by the IMR has only been carried out in strictly controlled environments, therefore there is no way of evaluating the ecological damage and long term environmental impact of release the GMO Mosquitoes. Science has shown that the ecological damage of releasing genetically modified organisms is very often irreversible.
As the EXCO on Health, I am very concerned over the potential harm and long term consequences that the people of Selangor will have to put up with and pay for if this experiment goes wrong.
We must understand that we are releasing mosquitoes, and there no telling how far these mosquitoes may travel and their possible interactions and mutations with the existing ecosystem is unknown. The mobility and range of insects pose international regulatory challenges never faced with Genetic crops.
There has not been sufficient research and study in analysing whether in future, these GMO Mosquitoes may carry other human- contractible viruses that thus far have not affected humans, research has also indicated that GMO mosquitoes have a longer life-span and can live longer than traditional mosquitoes.
The Selangor government firmly believes that the recent spread of dengue have convinced us that mosquito population cannot be reduced unless there are concerted efforts by the community as a whole, genetic control is not the answer.
Dr Xavier Jayakumar
30th April 2008
No comments yet.
Leave a comment
About
The thoughts and views of a concerned politician and the provocative questions that must not be ignored
Dr. A. Xavier Jayakumar
drxavier@selangor.gov.my
EXCO Selangor
Chaiperson on the permanent committees for Health, Plantation Wokers & Poverty and Caring Government
ADUN Sri Andalas
Pejabat DUN Sri Andalas
No. 15-A, Jalan Mohd Tahir 8, Off Jalan Sg. Jati, Taman Mewah 4, 41200 Klang (the row of shops before the Esso station, on the road heading to Tmn Sentosa)Tel / Fax : 03-3373 4595
pkrsriandalas@gmail.com
Mon – Fri : 9am – 5pm Sat : 9am – 12 noon (Closed for lunch : 1pm – 2pm)
