The utilization of GM crops within a country has been a rather controversial issue across the globe. Recently, MABIC polled its readers on their views on the utilization of such technology.

A high percentile of our readers generally believe that Malaysia should grow GM crops (75%). This is further supported by their view that Malaysia would benefit from growing such crops (79%). Thus, it was not surprising when readers responded positively (71%) to the suggestion of Malaysian law providing support to GM technology in terms of research, trade and cultivation.

With regards to their concerns in the growing of GM crops, readers provided a mixed response with 36% being concerned of human safety, while 26% believed that environmental impact was of pressing interest, a further 24% was worried over the marketability of such products, and a 14% fraction was apprehensive of the monopoly of big companies.

Lastly, when queried on their preference among crops in the primary introduction of GM crops, 58% of readers polled preferred to choose palm oil as their first choice in the introduction of GM crops for cultivation in the country. This is followed by 35% who supported the cause of rice and a further 3% who chose the papaya.