In Malaysia, concerns have been raised over the growing influence of foreign nationals, including individuals from Bangladesh, Rohingyas, and Indonesians, in the vegetable market. These groups are reported to manage nearly 1,000 hectares of illegally cultivated gardens, prompting calls for regulatory intervention. The dominion of these foreign entities over the vegetable cultivation space has sparked apprehensions regarding the potential impacts on the nation's agro-food industry and the well-being of Malaysian citizens, particularly in relation to the unregulated application of pesticides.
The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, as articulated by Agriculture Department director-general Datuk Nor Sam Alwi, possesses limited enforcement capabilities confined to the Pesticides Act 1974. This act governs the oversight of pesticide importation, manufacture, registration, and permit issuance.
Nor Sam highlighted the challenges posed by farms operated unlawfully by foreigners, which are not subject to monitoring. This lack of oversight, she noted, could culminate in the misuse of pesticides, unauthorized pesticide application, and other malpractices, potentially leading to the production of unsafe crops and endangering public health.
Source: nst.com.my