‘Import, usage of illegal pesticides threaten food safety’
PUTRAJAYA: The import of unregistered pesticides from a neighbouring country and their use by local farmers are alarming as they may threaten the country’s food safety, said Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Jamal Harizan Yang Razali.
He said the use of prohibited agricultural chemicals was rampant among farmers and planters in the northern states.
“Although many have been fined or charged in court, there are others who dare to bring in the poisonous pesticides.
“It’s not only about food safety and health, farmers who use them are also vulnerable to side effects.”
He said this at a press conference here after raids by officers from the Agriculture and Agrobased Industry Ministry, where non-registered pesticides worth RM1.146 million were seized at five premises in Kinta and Pengkalan Hulu, Perak, from Nov 27 to 29.
Jamal Harizan said the ministry had identified more premises believed to be selling, storing and repackaging the prohibited items, and would be taking action soon.
On the Perak raids, Jamal Harizan said the pesticides, which were believed to contain active ingredients that were banned in Malaysia, were used for weed and pest control.
“They are in high demand because they are sold 40 per cent cheaper than the market price,” he said.