Hemp seeds yet to arrive - Noor Azmi
Although land in Kedah has been earmarked for a potential pioneer project for industrial hemp and cannabis, the paperwork involved still needed time, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
He said that the Health Ministry (MOH) was unable to proceed with legislative changes until other ministries completed what was required from them.
Although land in Kedah has been earmarked for a potential pioneer project for industrial hemp and cannabis, the paperwork involved still needed time, said Deputy Health Minister Dr Noor Azmi Ghazali.
He said that the Health Ministry (MOH) was unable to proceed with legislative changes until other ministries completed what was required from them.
"There are still forms which need to be filled up. So the MOH has yet to make a decision.
"I am made to understand that even the seeds have not been obtained," Noor Azmi told reporters in Kuala Lumpur last night when asked to elaborate on his revelation earlier this month that sites in Kedah have been identified for the plantations.
He said that the produce of these plantations would be used for a study on whether cannabis was suitable for medical use.
Last March, then Health Minister Dr Dzulkefly Ahmad said Putrajaya would eventually allow the planting of hemp for research on industrial applications.
Generally, hemp referred to various strains of cannabis sativa that has low psychoactive properties but are prized for its fibre.
However, the Dangerous Drugs Act 1952 imposes heavy penalties for the cultivation or possession of all cannabis plants, regardless of their purpose.
Meanwhile, Noor Azmi said that MOH had no say on whether foreigners are allowed in childcare facilities and kindergartens.
He said MOH only advised other ministries regarding their guidelines for industries to prevent the spread of Covid-19.
Childcare facilities come under the purview of the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry while kindergartens come under the purview of the Education Ministry.
Noor Azmi said this when asked on a Malaysiakini report on kindergartens turning away foreigners.
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