SRI-Mas objects to any forms of genetic modification (GM) in food systems

2026-08-12 2026-08-12

LABAH Secretariat

11 Aug 2026.- SRI-Mas President Dr. Anizan Isahak stated that any activities of promoting, funding or experimenting GM technology on our food/food crops is similar to destroying our agricultural heritage. GM crops released to the environment can highly affect the genetic lines of heirloom crops that should be proudly maintained and cultivated in the country. GM activities adversely affect SRI-Mas promotion of indigenous farming practices and community seed systems.

GM crops endanger Malaysian agricultural heritage

SRI-Mas and other NGOs championing Community Seed Systems (CoSS) foresee that the future and livelihoods of farmers and indigenous communities, who are the custodians of seeds and agrobiodiversity, will be adversely affected by GM promotion in our food systems. SRI-Mas is one of the 61 NGOs signing the statement to object the application of a field trial on GM Oryza sativa L. variety MR219 by Zen Cropscience Sdn. Bhd. (Ref. No. JBK (S) 600-2 /1/44) to the Malaysian Biosafety Board. The GM MR219 was said to have been genetically modified to express resistance to the herbicide glyphosate, the bacterium Xanthomonas oryzae pv. oryzae(Xoo), which causes Bacterial Leaf Blight and the fungus Pyricularia spp., which causes Rice Blast.

The press conference was co-organized by members of the Malaysian Food Sovereignty Forum (Forum Kedaulatan Makanan Malaysia - FKMM), of which SRI-Mas is a member.