Farmers urge government to halt Act 634 amendments, warning of risks to seed sharing and national food security
KUALA LUMPUR: Farmers and civil society groups yesterday urged the government to halt proposed amendments to the Protection of New Plant Varieties Act 2004 (Act 634), warning that alignment with the International Union for the Protection of New Varieties of Plants 1991 Convention could undermine traditional seed-saving practices, rural livelihoods and national food security.
About 200 demonstrators submitted memorandums urging the government to review amendments to Act 634 that are linked to Malaysia’s potential alignment with the convention.
Padi Farmers’ Brotherhood Association chairman Abdul Rashid Yob said farmers are already under mounting pressure from rising production costs, climate challenges and volatile market conditions.
“In some areas, padi deductions can reach between 50% and 65%. This means that from one metric tonne, farmers may only be paid for about 500kg, which significantly reduces their income.
“Over the past three to four years, farmers’ earnings have also been affected by climate change, unstable weather patterns and crop diseases.”
Rashid, who has 15 years of experience in padi farming in Kedah, said heavy rice imports could further weaken demand for local produce.
“When imported rice enters the market in large volumes, local millers may become less interested in buying domestic padi, and farmers are the ones who feel the impact.”
Agroecology Association vice-president Anni Mitin said traditional seed-sharing practices have long been embedded in local farming culture.
“Seed sharing has always been part of our culture, based on trust and traceability, in which farmers know the origin of the seeds they use.
“If seed companies are selling products for profit, there should be clear standards and accountability to ensure quality and fair compensation for farmers.”
She added that food policies should reflect what people actually consume, based on cultural and community needs.
“Food sovereignty is about ensuring what we grow reflects what people eat, grounded in local culture, nutrition and community priorities,” she noted.
Travelling from Sabah, Padi Farmers’ Brotherhood Association regional coordinator Pangiran Pa’sia Salutan said indigenous communities in remote areas rely heavily on traditional farming practices for survival.
He said some policies adopted in more developed countries are difficult to implement in rural parts of Borneo.
“Many rural communities in Borneo are not yet equipped with the infrastructure or resources to adapt to some of these policies.
“Local farmers play an important role in ensuring food supply in remote regions where access and logistics are limited.”
Students also turned up in support of the farmers’ cause.
International Islamic University Malaysia psychology student Aliyyah Zulfah, 21, said food security is not only a farmers’ issue.
“This concerns everyone. When farmers suffer, consumers will eventually feel the impact too, whether through higher prices or shortages.”
Activist group director S. Amalen, 33, said food policies could have a direct effect on the cost of living.
“Food policies do not only affect farmers, but also ordinary Malaysians who are already facing rising costs for daily necessities.
“Recent disruptions in regional food supply have shown how interconnected and vulnerable our food system can be.”
The memorandums were received by Agriculture and Food Security Deputy Minister Datuk Chan Foong Hin and Deputy Secretary-General Datuk Luqman Ahmad on behalf of the government, as well as Kota Bharu MP and opposition chief whip Datuk Seri Takiyuddin Hassan.
The coalition is urging the government to halt amendments to Act 634, arguing that several proposed changes could restrict traditional seed-saving practices, weaken safeguards against biopiracy and reduce government control over seed pricing and supply.
