Farmers and environmentalists urge rejection of GMO rice trial in Malaysia

In Malaysia, a coalition of farmers, consumer associations, and environmental groups has raised concerns over a proposed field trial of genetically modified rice. This coalition, consisting of 61 organizations, formally objected to the trial, which is being evaluated by the National Biosafety Board. The trial involves a genetically modified version of the MR219 rice variety, designed to be tolerant to the herbicide glyphosate and resistant to certain diseases. The coalition warns that the project could pose significant risks to food safety, the environment, and the livelihoods of farmers. They argue that the introduction of genetically modified organisms (GMOs) into agriculture can lead to unforeseen consequences, including the development of herbicide-resistant weeds, which could further complicate farming practices and increase production costs. The coalition's objections are not new; they are renewing concerns similar to those raised in 2019 regarding a previous field trial application in Perlis state that was ultimately abandoned. Farmers have expressed apprehension that the genetic modification could lead to increased reliance on glyphosate, which has been classified as probably carcinogenic to humans by the World Health Organization's cancer research agency. This classification is based on limited evidence of cancer in humans and sufficient evidence from animal studies. However, different health and regulatory agencies have reached varying conclusions about glyphosate's safety. The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency has stated that glyphosate is not likely to be carcinogenic to humans, while the European Food Safety Authority found no critical areas of concern regarding its impact on human, animal, or environmental health in 2023. The coalition emphasizes that there are alternative methods available for managing weeds and diseases, such as robotic technology from Japan, which could effectively address these issues without resorting to GMOs. They argue that the proposed trial should be canceled, as GMOs cannot be fully controlled once released into the environment. The National Biosafety Board has not yet made a final decision on the application, and the coalition continues to advocate against the introduction of GM crops in Malaysia, emphasizing the need for safer and more sustainable agricultural practices.