MALAYSIAN SCIENTISTS CAN CONTRIBUTE TO ANTARCTIC RESEARCH

KUALA LUMPUR, April 2 (Bernama) -- Although a relatively new player on polar
research, the extensive collaborations Malaysian scientists have established
with international research groups has allowed the nation to be on par with
other nations active in the field.

Malaysian Antarctic Research Programme (MARP) director Prof Dr Azizan Abu
Samah told a press conference at the Fourth Malaysian International Seminar
on Antarctica (MISA4) that it was imperative Malaysia be more intimately
involved with the Antarctic Treaty System as a member of the Antarctica Treaty
Consultative Party (ATCP).

"Nothing is better than to have first hand knowledge on the uncertainties of
global warming and its effects on the planet. With first hand knowledge we can
better advise the government on policies, adaptation and risk reduction.

"The challenge for Malaysia is now we have the capacity to give inputs,
study and contribute on Antarctic research. We cannot just sit back and watch
anymore. Research shows that the sea is rising at about 6 millimetres a year,
coastal areas would shrink and we need more information to mitigate this
problem," said Dr Azizan.

According to Dr Azizan, the question is no longer about reversing the
effects of the polar ice caps meltdown and the weakening strength of the gulf
stream but to adapt and mitigate the problem as a matter of survivability.

He also stated that on the grassroot and political levels, there must be a
paradigm shift on human behaviour regarding global warming.

"It is human nature to ignore a crisis until it happens to that person. This
is the paradigm shift that must happen, otherwise when a person actually feels
the pinch it is already too late. We must remember, if East Antarctica melts,
the sea level will rise by 61 metres," stated Dr Azizan ominously.

Touching on the economic benefit of an Antarctica research, he added that a
bacterial compound found in an Antartica lake contained antifreeze capable of
prolonging the shelf life of ice cream without the use of a refrigarator.

"With research, one can also find economic, sustainable economic benefits in
Antarctica. However, we must never let human greed take over such research as it
might have greater negative impact on the planet.

When asked regarding the fact that global warming was a cycle that the
planet had undergone many times prior to this, Dr Azizan commented," Well, it's
a matter of survivability and comfort.

"The planet will always be here, it's a question where we will be here or
not, whether we can survive through it in comfort or not or whether we can
survive or not."
-- BERNAMA