KUALA LUMPUR (June 8): Malaysian Genomics Resource Centre Bhd (MGRC) is planning to open two new pathology labs in the East Coast of Peninsular Malaysia, according to its chief operating officer Sasha Nordin.

"We plan to open two new pathology labs somewhere along the East Coast of the Peninsular by the end of the year," Sasha said when speaking to reporters after the group's extraordinary general meeting here today.

"We are still considering [which are the appropriate locations] in the East Coast area," he added, saying there is no significant capital expenditure involved in setting up the labs, as the group has only to rent an appropriate building space.

Sasha said the group's strategy moving forward, will be to focus on its pathology services, which will include clinical testing and genetic screening services.

In April, the group announced the proposed acquisition of 50% of pathology services company MPath Sdn Bhd for RM11.5 million, to be funded via a mixture of bank borrowings and internally-generated funds.

After the acquisition completes, MGRC will own 100% of MPath, which is currently jointly-owned with Ajmaks Sdn Bhd, a subsidiary of Qualitas Healthcare Corp Sdn Bhd

"Our focus moving forward will be to develop the clinical testing and medical laboratory services [with our new acquisition of MPath]," Sasha said.

Clinipath (Malaysia) Sdn Bhd, which is owned by MPath, is a key revenue and profit contributor, currently operating 19 clinics across seven states in Malaysia.

Clinipath is the fourth largest pathology services provider in terms of market share in the country.