KUALA LUMPUR, Sept 17 — The enhancement of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) DNA Analysis Laboratory through a RM11.1 million allocation under the 12th Malaysia Plan (12MP) has enabled PDRM to carry out 420 Deoxyribonucleic acid (DNA) matching cases, including those involving serious crimes.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail, however, said PDRM still required additional logistics, equipment and technology to further strengthen its investigative capabilities and help solve more cases that require forensic analysis.

“The use of this technology helps PDRM trace various leads, especially evidence linked to a case, thereby strengthening the investigation process,” he told reporters after officiating the 7th National Forensic Science Symposium for Law Enforcement (NAFSLE) 2026 here today.

Bukit Aman Criminal Investigation Department (CID) director Datuk M. Kumar and National Disaster Management Agency (NADMA) director-general Datuk Meor Ismail Meor Akim were also present.

Mohd Khalid said other departments and agencies needing forensic analysis assistance could also use the PDRM Forensic Laboratory’s expertise, adding that the increased allocation would enable the adoption of more new technologies in the future.

Earlier, in his speech, he said the record 420 DNA matches reflected the success of forensic investigations conducted by forensic officers using high-technology equipment and artificial intelligence (AI) applications, which helped victims’ families get justice.

He said the government had also noted the backlog of 297,085 samples at the PDRM DNA Analysis Laboratory from 2021 to 2025, which has been one of the main challenges in expediting evidence analysis.

“As such, the government has created flexible positions for analysts at the PDRM DNA Analysis Laboratory as a strategic measure to enhance the efficiency of biological material analysis, while ensuring that the process complies with international standards,” he said.

Commenting on this year’s symposium themed “Forensic AI: Connecting the Dots”, Mohd Khalid urged PDRM personnel to make a paradigm shift by viewing AI as a strategic ally in forensic investigations, and not merely as an assistance tool.

“AI has the potential to speed up data analysis and improve accuracy in identifying links between cases, individuals and crime scenes, but its use remains subject to stipulated procedures and integrity,” he added.

The two-day symposium brought together over 300 participants, featuring eight invited speakers from various agencies and academic institutions, as well as exhibitions by local and overseas suppliers of technology and scientific equipment.

At the same event, three recipients of the Forensic DNA Databank Malaysia (FDDM) Hits of the Year Award were also announced for their success in obtaining DNA matches that assisted investigations into criminal cases in Selangor, Negeri Sembilan and Perak. — Bernama