The movement of unregistered pesticides from a neighbouring country is alarming as its use may threaten the country's food safety, Agriculture Department director-general Jamal Harizan Yang Razali said today.
Jamal said the use of prohibited substances was serious among farmers and planters, especially in the northern states of Peninsular Malaysia.
"Although many have been fined or charged with legal action, there are many others who are bold enough to bring in the poisonous pesticides.
“It’s not about food safety and health, farmers who use them are also vulnerable and prone to its negative effects," he stressed.
Jamal was speaking at a press conference following successful raids by the Pesticides and Fertiliser Control Department on various non-registered pesticides worth RM1.146 million in five premises in Kinta and Pengkalan Hulu, carried out from Nov 27 to 29.
The department, he added, had identified several premises in several states believed to be actively selling, storing and repackaging the prohibited items, and that action would be taken against wrongdoers.
On the raid in Perak, Jamal said pesticides which were believed to contain unregistered active ingredients and banned in Malaysia were used for weed control and pests.
"This product is in high demand because it is sold 40 percent cheaper than the market price," he said.
- Bernama
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