There has been no consensus on the controversial issue of intellectual property rights involving medicine in the 18th round of talks for the Trans-Pacific Partnership Agreement (TPPA) in Kota Kinabalu.

NONE International of Trade and Industry Ministry chief negotiator J Jayasiri ( right ) said that negotiations are still ongoing.

"We have some concerns with the current proposal that is on the table. Our position is to find a balance and take care of Malaysia's concerns," he said.

Addressing the media after the conclusion of these round of talks in Kota Kinabalu yesterday, Jayasiri however declined to provide further details citing negotiation "confidentiality".

Speaking alongside representatives from 11 other countries party to the negotiations, Jayasiri said that intellectual property is one of the key issues in this round of talks.

Negotiating countries, including Japan, which joined in the TPP talks this round, have committed to reach a final agreement by year's end.

The issue of intellectual property rights involving medicine has been a concern for stakeholders, including international NGO Doctors Without Borders, which argue that the TPPA may increase the price of generic drugs.

International Trade and Industry Minister Mustapa Mohamed, however, has guaranteed that Malaysia will not sign the agreement if it changes the current price regime for medicines.

Gov't to fill info gap on TPPA

Meanwhile to a question from journalists, Jayasiri said the government is committed to providing more information to the Malaysian public on the TPPA and has engaged with "relevant stakeholders" since the country joined the negotiations.

He added that the government, including Mustapa, has participated in public forums on the topic and addressed the matter through the media.

TPPA protest Sabah arrest The question was raised following demands for the transparency on the talks, leading to protests which saw several people taken in for questionable "drug testing" by police last weekend.

Jayasiri said this round of talks had included a stakeholder forum and where 200 stakeholders presented 44 papers on their concerns.

He said the negotiators have also provided their responses to the "wide range of issues" raised by stakeholders.

All the same, he conceded that there is still an "information gap" which the government will endeavour to fill.

"Some quarters feel there is not enough consultation. The government is stepping up its efforts to engage more stakeholders.

"We are holding an open day on the TPPA on Aug 1 and anyone interested to find out more are most welcomed to engage with our negotiators in different areas," he said.