T'ganu MB: Antarctica expedition not a waste
Bernama
Februari 4, 2014 12:48 MYT
Februari 4, 2014 12:48 MYT
The Antarctica scientific expedition gave its participants the opportunity to witness first hand research by scientists from all over the world, Terengganu Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Ahmad Said emphasised Tuesday.
Refuting opposition allegations of the expedition being a waste of money, he said it was undertaken at great risk due to the extreme weather conditions at the south pole.
"I went to the Antarctic on the invitation of Chilean Antarctic Institute (INACH). We were onboard the Chilean navy ship Aqulies, not on holiday there.
"If I want to go on a holiday, I might as well go elsewhere. What is there to buy in the Antarctic? Moreover we took a great risk as the weather was very unpredictable and could change at any minute," he said.
He was speaking at a press conference at the Kuala Lumpur International Airport, Tuesday, upon arrival from the Antarctica expedition which started on Jan 22.
Also present was National Antarctica Research Centre director Prof Datuk Dr Azizan Abu Samah.
Ahmad Said added that the trip was aimed at paving the way for the Malaysian government to establish a research station with INACH.
He was commenting on the claims by the opposition that his working visit to the Antarctic was a waste of money and did not benefit Terengganu in any way.
Ahmad said a follow up seminar involving scientists from both countries was scheduled for August in conjunction with the biennial SCAR Open Science Conference and Delegates Meeting 2014.