@ AGROBiz | JULY-AUGUST. 2026

proposed trial of genetically modified( GM) rice in Perak has drawn opposition from a 61-member coalition of farmers, consumer groups and environmental organisations, which is calling for the application to be rejected.

The coalition submitted its objection during the National Biosafety Board ' s public consultation, arguing that the research could create risks that extend beyond the trial site, particularly if genetically modified material reaches conventional or wild rice.

The application, submitted by Zen Cropscience, involves a modified MR219 rice variety engineered to withstand glyphosate and resist bacterial and fungal diseases. The proposed confined field trial would take place in northern Perak.

Rather than focusing solely on the trial itself, the coalition has questioned whether Malaysia has sufficient safeguards should unintended contamination occur. It said farmers whose crops are affected could face financial losses, while existing

The groups also warned that glyphosate-tolerant rice could increase dependence on the herbicide and contribute to the spread of resistant weeds.

Abdul Rashid Yob, who leads a farmers ' association with about 200,000 members nationwide, said farmers had already experienced similar challenges with herbicide-tolerant Clearfield rice.

According to him, weeds eventually developed resistance, prompting farmers to increase herbicide applications, raising production costs and affecting soil fertility.

" GM rice will be much worse. It is not the answer," he said.

The coalition also raised questions over the genetic modification intended to provide fungal resistance, saying changes to the crop could potentially affect its nutritional characteristics or increase allergenic and toxin levels.

However, the proposed project is not intended for commercial cultivation at this stage. The National

RESISTANCE TO TRIAL: Farmer groups are urging the authorities to reject the proposed trial of genetically modified rice in Perak.

Biosafety Board has said the trial would be conducted inside an insect-proof contained net house on industrial land, located away from farming areas.

The board has also assessed the likelihood of cross-pollination as low, although it acknowledged that toxicological data for GMO rice has yet to be ascertained.

For the coalition, containment measures are insufficient to justify proceeding with the trial.

" There is no need for such a trial. We don ' t want GM crops," said Mageswari Sangaralingam, from the Consumers Association of Penang.

The groups pointed to alternative approaches for controlling weeds and crop diseases, including robotic technology from Japan that can remove weeds mechanically.

The dispute comes as Malaysia continues to rely on imports to meet its rice requirements, with domestic production covering roughly half of national consumption.

Glyphosate has also remained the subject of international debate. The World Health Organisation ' s cancer research agency classified the herbicide as " probably carcinogenic to humans " in 2015, while the US Environmental Protection Agency and European Food Safety Authority issued assessments finding it unlikely to pose a carcinogenic risk under their respective evaluations.

The National Biosafety Board has yet to announce when it will decide on the proposed trial.

CAMBODIA and Malaysia will expand agricultural cooperation beyond rice, with both countries identifying cashew nuts, aquaculture products and agricultural fertilisers as new areas for trade and commercial collaboration.

The agreement was reached during the 3rd Cambodia-Malaysia Joint Commission for Bilateral Cooperation( JCBC) in Kuala Lumpur, co-chaired by Cambodian Foreign Minister Prak Sokhonn and Malaysian Foreign Minister Dato ' Seri Mohamad Hasan.

The move comes as the two countries work to deepen economic ties ahead of the 70th anniversary of diplomatic relations in 2027.

Agriculture was among several areas highlighted for closer cooperation, with the latest agreement aimed at diversifying agricultural exchanges and allowing businesses in both countries to tap complementary strengths.

DIVERSIFYING TRADE: The expanded agricultural agenda comes as bilateral trade between Cambodia and Malaysia continues to gain momentum.( Photo from: Fresh News)

The two sides also agreed to strengthen cooperation in manufacturing, food processing, logistics, the digital economy and renewable energy, while supporting trade forums, exhibitions and business matching initiatives.

Bilateral trade has continued to grow, exceeding US $ 795 million in the first half of 2026. This represented an increase of US $ 56.9 million, or 64.1 per cent, compared with the corresponding period last year.

Malaysia ' s exports to Cambodia reached approximately US $ 682 million, rising 55.8 per cent year-on-year.

The expansion into cashews, aquaculture and fertilisers could provide fresh opportunities for agricultural businesses while strengthening supply and trade links between the neighbouring countries.

The agreement also signals a broader effort to make agriculture a more diversified pillar of Cambodia- Malaysia economic cooperation.

- @ AGROBiz