Malaysian farmer and environmental groups urge biosafety board to block GMO rice trial

A coalition of farmers, consumer groups and environmental NGOs has formally objected to a proposed field test of genetically modified rice in northern Perak, warning of food safety and ecological risks.

A broad coalition of farmers, consumer associations and environmental organisations has lodged a formal objection to Zen Cropscience’s application for a confined field trial of genetically modified MR219 rice in northern Perak. The GMO rice is engineered to tolerate glyphosate and resist bacterial and fungal diseases, prompting fears of cross-pollination with conventional and wild varieties and the spread of herbicide-resistant “super weeds.”

Critics also warn that glyphosate residues could enter the food chain and that the introduced fungal-resistance gene might affect nutritional or allergenic properties. Abdul Rashid Yob, who leads a farmers’ body representing 200,000 members, recalled past problems with herbicide-tolerant Clearfield rice, saying the new GM rice would be worse. The National Biosafety Board assures the trial would be confined to an insect-proof net house on industrial land, yet it has not announced a final ruling. The coalition argues that Malaysia’s biosafety law offers insufficient legal protection and compensation for any economic loss caused by accidental contamination.