Bawong: The MyGenom project has recruited nearly 4,000 participants nationwide, with 1,200 genomes successfully sequenced using high-performance local sequencing facilities as of August this year. Health Minister Datuk Seri Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad stated that of the total, more than 1,000 participants were successfully recruited from the Bumiputera communities, including Kadazan-Dusun, Bajau, Murut, Iban, Bidayuh, and Melanau.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, for the Orang Asli communities in Peninsular Malaysia, the MyGenom project will involve the Jakun, Temuan, Bateq, Jahai, Semai, and Temiar ethnic groups to ensure that Malaysia's genetic diversity is truly reflected in the national genome database. Dr. Dzulkefly's speech, read by Deputy Health Director-General (Research and Technical Support) Datuk Dr Nor Fariza Ngah, was delivered during the Launch Ceremony of the MyGenom Orang Asli Research Data Collection at the Orang Asli One Stop Centre (OAOSC), Bawong.
Dr. Dzulkefly emphasized the importance of safeguarding the Orang Asli community, describing them as a national treasure. The MADANI Government is committed to strengthening their rights and well-being, focusing on areas such as education, infrastructure, welfare, healthcare, and employment opportunities, aligning with the 13th Malaysia Plan.
Dzulkefly highlighted that the MyGenom project is rooted in the principle of health equity. Inclusive genome data can prevent bias in understanding diseases and treatment responses. Additionally, this data supports the development of precise treatments for chronic diseases like heart disease, diabetes, and cancer, as well as rare diseases. It also aims to foster a skilled workforce in genomics and health biotechnology, enhancing the nation's competitiveness.
The project ensures that the Orang Asli communities and all ethnic groups in Malaysia benefit from scientific advancements in healthcare and universal health coverage. Spearheaded by researchers from agencies under the Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (MOSTI), in collaboration with the Ministry of Health (MOH), the project involves the Malaysian Genome and Vaccine Institute (MGVI), National Institute of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM), Institute for Medical Research (IMR), and the National Institutes of Health (NIH).
The MOH MyGenom project team employs three sampling strategies: continuous collection at seven blood donation centers in selected hospitals nationwide, periodic collection at three blood donation centers in selected hospitals, and sample collection for target communities.