Mosti finalising plan to cut Chemistry Department case backlog
Minister Chang Lih Kang says the two- to three-year capacity plan covers more manpower, modern equipment and process automation.
PETALING JAYA – The Ministry of Science, Technology and Innovation (Mosti) is finalising a capacity-building plan for the Chemistry Department Malaysia over the next two to three years to reduce its case backlog.
The plan also aims to ensure analysis reports are completed in line with the department's client charter.
Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang said the plan focused not only on additional manpower but also on the use of modern analytical equipment and process automation to improve service delivery.
"At the same time, the smooth running of this process requires the cooperation of all parties involved. This includes enforcement agencies and stakeholders so that sample management and the delivery of analysis reports can be carried out more effectively," he told Kosmo!
He was commenting on the department's rising workload, with sample numbers from various agencies increasing every year.
A Kosmo! special report on July 21 revealed that only 476 Chemistry Department staff nationwide handled more than a million samples last year, with the case load up 116 per cent since 2014.
In 2025, the department received 1.05 million samples compared with 931,814 the year before, covering forensic, narcotics, toxicology, water, food and environmental cases. Forensic samples recorded the highest number, while narcotics, toxicology and forensic DNA cases rose significantly between 2023 and last year.
Responding to concerns that the workload could affect criminal investigations and prosecutions, Chang said the department conducts periodic monitoring of outstanding cases, analysis turnaround times and the performance of each laboratory. Priority is given to critical cases based on requests and the needs of enforcement agencies.
"Despite the increased workload, every analysis continues to be carried out according to established procedures, quality standards and legal requirements," he said, adding that Mosti would continue to strengthen the department's capacity so that scientific support for investigations and prosecutions remains effective.
To improve inter-agency coordination, Mosti has proposed restructuring the Four-Corner Meeting involving the Chemistry Department, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Attorney General's Chambers and the judiciary, through the creation of a steering committee and a technical committee.
The ministry has also received a request for additional allocations from the department for laboratory equipment purchases, maintenance, process automation and officer competency development. Proposals meeting priority and readiness criteria will be considered for the Budget 2027 preparation process, subject to the government's financial position and Finance Ministry approval.
Separately, the Public Service Department (JPA) on June 30 approved the filling of 69 vacancies across various service schemes at the department. Chang said the current staffing rate stood at 91.99 per cent, in line with the government's policy of around 90 per cent. – KOSMO! ONLINE
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