KUCHING, Jan 17: Sarawak is taking the lead in applying forensic entomology technology in criminal investigations, said Tourism, Creative Industry and Performing Arts Assistant Minister Datuk Snowdan Lawan.
Entomology is an essential branch of study to determine the duration of death of decomposed bodies and insects as insects are part of biological life.
Snowdan said the application of forensic entomology technology would support and strengthen its scientific development, policing, and fire fighting community in their criminal investigations.
“Forensic entomology is not a widely known branch of forensic science. Moreover, the subject and technology are considered new to criminal investigators.
“However, this conference has confirmed the usefulness of forensic entomology in resolving legal cases, especially when associated with death enquiries,” he said when officiating at the closing ceremony of the 1st Borneo Conference on Entomology Forensics in a leading hotel in Sibu on Saturday.
The conference aims to provide a platform for various fields such as the forensic departments in the police force and Fire and Rescue Department (Bomba), legal fraternities such as lawyers and judges, and forensic doctors to get the latest updates on entomology technology and knowledge.
About 108 delegates comprising high ranking police officers, Bomba, lawyers, judges, and forensic doctors attended the conference, the first of its kind in Sarawak.
Three papers were presented during the conference, namely “Understanding Post Death Changes And Their Relationship With The Duration Of Death” and “Introduction of Forensic Entomology” by Dr Norliza Ibrahim, as well as “Expert Practical on Forensic Entomology at the Scene” by Robin Maramat. ― DayakDaily
