Going on a road trip to Cameron Highlands is one of our favourite pastimes thanks to the cooler air up there. Plus, we get to enjoy some fresh fruits and vegetables too! Strawberries and corn, anyone?
Source: Lakwatseradeprimera
In case you didn’t know, we also export these fresh produce to other countries. However, a recent report from the Star stated that China has rejected fruits grown in Cameron Highlands because living modified organisms (LMO) was detected in them. Say what?
Apparently, the incident was only brought to light after China conducted checks on the fruits and rejected them after LMOs were detected.
Wait, what exactly is LMO? Just for your information, LMOs have been described as “Any living organism that possesses a novel combination of genetic material obtained through the use of modern biotechnology,” by Biodiversity A – Z and these are commonly used in agricultural crops.
Source: Sakthi Life
They are usually genetically modified for greater productivity or for greater resistance to pests or diseases. Some of the commonly modified crops we see today include tomatoes, cassava, corn, cotton and soybeans. The jury is still out on the pros and cons of LMOs.
In a Parliament session on Wednesday, this case was highlighted after Natural Resources and Environment Minister Datuk Seri Dr Wan Junaidi Tuanku Jaafar replied a question and said, “There was a case where fruits from Cameron Highlands were exported to China. Checks were conducted and the fruits were rejected as they were found to be LMO products.”
Source: An Epic Education
However, he did not disclose when the incident occurred or what type of fruits were involved. Your guess is as good as mine!
He added that the National Biosafety Board (NBB) had been made aware of this incident and ordered the planting of the affected fruit trees to stop immediately. The board is also responsible to ensure that imported LMO products into Malaysia have low risk to the health and environment. The Genetically Modified Advisory Body under NBB is responsible for assessing these health risks.
“There are 47 institutions that have their own committees on LMO and report back to the board to ensure they adhere to guidelines,” Dr Wan Junaidi said. Some of the LMO products available in Malaysia are seeds, animal feed and rice.
Anyone up for a fruit salad? 😉
Also read: “This Country is Not Poor, You Are the Reason You Are Poor,” Minister Tells Malaysians
