Autosomal STR Profiling and Databanking in Malaysia: Current Status and Future Prospects

Abstract

Science and technology are extensively used in criminal investigation. From the mid- to late-1980s, one of the scientific discoveries that has had a particularly remarkable impact on this field has been the use of highly variable DNA sequence regions (minisatellites) in the human genome for individual identification. The technique was initially referred to as DNA fingerprinting, but is now more widely referred to as DNA profiling. Since then, many new developments have occurred within this area of science. These include the introduction of new genetic markers (microsatellites also known as short tandem repeats/STRs), the use of the polymerase chain reaction for target amplification, the development of DNA databases (databanking), and the advancement and/or improvement of genotyping protocols and technologies. In 2019, we described the progress of DNA profiling and DNA databanking in Malaysia for the first time. This report included information on DNA analysis regulations and legislation, STR genotyping protocols, database management, and accreditation status. Here, we provide an update on the performance of our DNA databank (numbers of DNA profiles and hits) plus the technical issues associated with correctly assigning the weight of evidence for DNA profiles in an ethnically diverse population, and the potential application of rapid DNA testing in the country. A total of 116,534 DNA profiles were obtained and stored in the Forensic DNA Databank of Malaysia (FDDM) by 2019, having increased from 70,570 in 2017. The number of hits increased by more than three-fold in just two years, where 17 and 69 hits between the DNA profiles stored in the FDDM and those from crime scenes, suspects, detainees, drug users, convicts, missing persons, or volunteers were recorded in 2017 and 2019, respectively. Forensic DNA analysis and databanking are thus progressing well in Malaysia and have already contributed to many criminal investigations. However, several other issues are discussed here, including the need for STR population data for uncharacterized population groups, and pilot trials for adopting rapid DNA profiling technology. These aspects should be considered by policy makers and law enforcement agencies in order to increase the reliability and efficiency of DNA profiling in criminal cases and in kinship analysis in Malaysia.

Forensic genetics through the lens of Lewontin: population structure, ancestry and race

“…Where the lines are to be drawn between these is far from clear, and they must contain endogamous sub-populations and varying degrees of admixture. In Malaysia, there are separate population reference databases for Malay, Chinese, Indian and Orang Asli indigenous people [ 63 ]. Racial categories are context-dependent [ 31 ], rather than universal.…”

Genetic Polymorphism and Population Genetic Structure Analysis of 21 Autosomal STR Loci for a Han-Chinese Population from Luzhou of Southwest China

“…In addition, the STR marker datasets obtained in this study provides a valuable source of information for STR profiling of personnel, which can be used for disaster victim identification in military emergencies and added to the Indian army database and military hospital repository [9]. A large number of A-STR studies are also being conducted in Southeast Asian countries such as Vietnam, Thailand, and Malaysia [10][11][12], thereby revealing the close genetic relationship between mainland Southeast Asian populations and Southern Chinese populations, as well as improving the reliability and efficiency of DNA analysis in criminal cases and parentage testing [13]. The above studies have made considerable progress in multi-population and multi-ethnic areas.…”

Property Crime Incidence and Patterns in Malaysia From 2007 to 2017

“…Therefore, several initiatives to improve the public perception of safety and performance of our criminal justice system are warranted. These include those listed in the Government Transformation Programme (e.g., to improve response time to emergency calls, increase the number of investigating officers and clear up the backlog of thousands of relatively minor criminal cases) should be delivered to increase the fraction of crime cases reported in Malaysia (PEMANDU, 2010, Hakim et al, 2019b, Hakim et al, 2020.…”