Accra:The Animal Biosafety Level III (ABSL-III) laboratory facility at the National Institutes of Biotechnology Malaysia (NIBM) is scheduled to start operations in January 2027, with the Good Manufacturing Practice (GMP) facility targeted for a July 2027 launch.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, this information was shared by Science, Technology and Innovation Minister Datuk Chang Lih Kang during the 2026 Vaccine Fraternity Meeting, which he chaired. The meeting focused on reviewing progress in developing the national vaccine ecosystem and strengthening cooperation among stakeholders.

Chang emphasized that the development of NIBM facilities, alongside a feasibility study on the Human Vaccine Commercialisation Framework (KKVM), represents crucial steps in bolstering local vaccine capabilities in research, production, and commercialization. These initiatives are designed to enhance Malaysia's readiness to tackle infectious disease threats.

The feasibility study aims to evaluate effective methods for linking research and technology development outcomes with vaccine production and market access, considering industry needs and the readiness of Malaysia's vaccine ecosystem.

Chang also highlighted that the development of NIBM facilities and the KKVM study are part of the broader National Vaccine Development Roadmap. This roadmap is being implemented through collaboration between his ministry and the Health Ministry, aiming to create comprehensive local vaccine capabilities and improve the country's preparedness for infectious disease challenges.