PDRM faces 297,085-sample DNA backlog despite 420 crime hits

POLICE have recorded 420 DNA matches in criminal investigations using advanced analysis technology, but are still grappling with a backlog of 297,085 biological samples collected between 2021 and 2025.

Inspector-General of Police Tan Sri Mohd Khalid Ismail said the DNA matches demonstrated the value of investment in the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM) forensic capabilities, particularly for families seeking justice.

“This investment has borne fruit, with PDRM recording 420 cases involving matches or hit cases. This figure is not merely a statistic, but represents the hope of victims’ families who have finally obtained justice,” he said after opening the 2026 National Forensic Symposium for Law Enforcement (NAFSLE) at the Police Training College in Kuala Lumpur today.

Khalid said the achievement followed the strengthening of the PDRM DNA Analysis Laboratory, including RM11.1 million allocated under the 12th Malaysia Plan to equip the laboratory with the latest technology.

However, he said the force continued to face the substantial backlog, prompting the creation of flexible positions for DNA laboratory analysts to ensure biological material could be processed more efficiently and in line with international standards.

Artificial intelligence (AI) is also being used in forensic investigations to help establish links between evidence, cases, individuals and crime scenes.

Khalid said the technology enabled investigators to connect evidence from one case with other material gathered during investigations.

“We have succeeded in bringing together this technological evidence with what we have, and we can solve the problem itself,” he said.

He said PDRM also needed additional logistics and equipment to strengthen its forensic capabilities, not only to deal with current cases but also to prepare for increasingly complex future crimes.

“We need additional logistics, equipment and so on, which I believe could help us resolve more issues related to PDRM investigations as well as those involving other departments,” he said.

Khalid said inter-agency cooperation was also crucial to ensure forensic expertise and technology could be fully leveraged in helping solve criminal cases. - September 17, 2026