A coalition of 61 Malaysian farmers’, consumer and environmental organisations has objected to a proposed confined field trial involving genetically modified (GM) MR219 rice in Kampung Kepayang, Perak.
The groups said they submitted a formal objection to the Director General of the Department of Biosafety on 7 August 2026 through the Unified Public Consultation (UPC) website, opposing an application by Zen Cropscience Sdn Bhd for the release of the genetically modified rice at the proposed trial site.
The statement, shared by Greenpeace Southeast Asia, said the application was similar to an earlier proposal for a GM MR219 rice field trial in Tambun Tulang, Perlis, in 2019, and argued that the concerns raised at the time remained relevant.
The groups said the MR219 rice variety had been genetically modified to provide glyphosate resistance, as well as resistance to diseases caused by bacteria and fungi.
A key concern raised was the potential for genetic contamination of conventional and wild rice if the GM variety is cultivated in open-field conditions.
The coalition also argued that Malaysia’s Biosafety Act 2007 does not provide sufficient statutory protection, liability mechanisms or avenues for redress for farmers who may suffer economic losses as a result of unintended GM contamination.
According to the groups, affected farmers could potentially bear the financial burden of contamination incidents.
The coalition also raised concerns over the potential increase in glyphosate use associated with a glyphosate-tolerant rice variety.
It claimed that the genetically modified plant would absorb glyphosate rather than break it down, raising concerns about possible residues entering harvested rice and, subsequently, the food supply.
The groups also pointed to information in a Department of Biosafety fact sheet which they said indicated that acute toxicological data for the GM rice remained unavailable.
The coalition said farmers had previously experienced challenges with herbicide-resistant rice varieties, citing the Clearfield system as an example where weeds developed resistance to the herbicide, potentially requiring increased pesticide applications.
It also raised concerns over the potential impact of glyphosate on soil microorganisms and paddy-field biodiversity.
The groups said the proposed field trial was unnecessary given the availability of alternative approaches to managing weeds and diseases in rice cultivation.
They cited the System of Rice Intensification (SRI), alongside other conventional and alternative farming practices, as methods that could be explored without relying on genetic modification.
Although the application involves a confined field trial rather than commercial cultivation, the coalition called for the research to be cancelled, arguing that genetically modified organisms could potentially spread beyond their intended areas through cross-pollination, germination or accidental mixing during harvesting, storage and transportation.
The coalition also expressed concern that unintended contamination could affect Malaysia’s organic rice producers and potentially undermine access to markets that impose restrictions on GM products.
The organisations said they had previously raised similar concerns over the potential economic and environmental consequences of GM contamination in other countries.
