Malaysian Groups Oppose Genetically Modified Rice Trial

A coalition of Malaysian farmers, consumer associations, and environmental groups has formally objected to a proposed field trial of genetically modified (GM) rice, urging the National Biosafety Board to reject the application. The group of 61 organizations submitted their objection as part of a public consultation process that concluded last week. The proposed trial involves a GM version of the MR219 rice variety, engineered for tolerance to the herbicide glyphosate and resistance to bacterial and fungal diseases.

The coalition voiced concerns that the project, if approved, could pose risks to food safety, the environment, and the livelihoods of farmers. They highlighted that the proposed trial is similar to one that was planned for Perlis state in 2019 but was subsequently abandoned. Their primary apprehension revolves around the potential for genetically modified material to contaminate conventional and wild rice varieties through cross-pollination or other means. The groups argue that Malaysia's biosafety laws lack sufficient protections and compensation mechanisms for farmers who might suffer economic losses due to accidental crop contamination.

Farmers also expressed worries that the genetic modification could lead to increased glyphosate use, potentially accelerating the development of herbicide-resistant "super weeds." This, they warned, could necessitate higher herbicide application rates, increasing production costs and degrading soil fertility. Furthermore, the coalition is concerned that glyphosate residues could remain in harvested rice, potentially entering the food supply. The World Health Organization’s cancer research agency classified glyphosate as "probably carcinogenic to humans" in 2015, though other agencies like the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency and the European Food Safety Authority have reached different conclusions.

Concerns were also raised about the gene for fungal resistance, with the coalition suggesting it could compromise food safety by altering nutritional values or increasing allergenic and toxin levels. Abdul Rashid Yob, who leads a farmers association representing 200,000 members, recalled negative experiences with herbicide-tolerant Clearfield rice, where initial production improvements were followed by rapid weed resistance, leading to higher herbicide use, increased costs, and diminished soil fertility.

Malaysia currently relies heavily on imported rice, with domestic production meeting only about half of its national consumption needs. The National Biosafety Board stated that the proposed trial would be conducted within a contained, insect-proof net house on industrial land, situated away from agricultural areas, and assessed the risk of cross-pollination as low. The board has acknowledged that toxicological data for GM rice has not yet been fully ascertained, and a timeline for a final decision remains unclear.

Despite the application being for a confined field trial rather than commercial cultivation, the coalition argues that the research should be canceled, asserting that GMOs cannot be fully controlled once released into the environment. The Consumers Association of Penang stated, "There is no need for such a trial. We don't want GM crops." The coalition also suggested that farmers have alternative methods for managing weeds and diseases, such as employing robotic technology from Japan.