The 1Malaysia Human Genome Variation Consortium

The ethnic population of Malaysia comprises of 50.4% Malays and 11% other bumiputras who form the majority of the population. The other major ethnic groups are Chinese and Indians.

The proposed genome wide mapping of these ethnic groups will provide us the genetic map of the country's migration history and uncover the extent of genetic similarities between the various ethnic populations.

Thus, it will also allow the study on the implications of having this powerful database on the common diseases in Malaysia as well as its ethical, legal and social implication on our society.

A Malaysian node of the international Human Variome Project (HVP), the 1Mhgvc, will conduct this important study. The consortium is made up of over 50 researchers from various institutions in the country including Universiti Sains Malaysia (USM), Universiti Malaya (UM), Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia (UKM), Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), Universiti Teknologi MARA (UiTM), Universiti Islam Antarabangsa (UIA), Multimedia University (MMU), Monash University Malaysia and Jabatan Kimia Malaysia.

Based on this reserach-based project, a powerful whole genome SNP database of the major ethnic groups in our country will be created. Common diseases in our country such as Thalassaemia, G6PD deficiency, Tuberculosis, Helicobacter pylori infection, will be studied and its susceptibility and association with our population's genetic make ups, will be determined.

Hence, this powerful genetic database of our population will allow more exploration on the implication towards the social, and legal aspects of our society.