The rise of illegal vegetable farms in Malaysia has raised concerns about the potential impact on local farmers and consumer safety.
Illegal farming practices are on the rise in Malaysia , with an increasing number of foreign nationals engaging in unregulated vegetable cultivation across the country. These individuals, often referred to as “tauke sayur” (vegetable bosses), are establishing unauthorized farms on patches of land nationwide, producing a range of vegetables including spring onions, French beans, zucchini, cassava, and pineapples for mass consumption.
\This surge in illegal farming, first observed around five years ago during the Covid-19 pandemic, has raised concerns among local farmers who complain about the unfair competition and potential health risks. According to Lim Ser Kwee, president of the Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations, these illegal farms are prevalent in every state, with Cameron Highlands being particularly affected. Foreigners often exploit existing plantations by piggybacking on local farmers' land or renting plots for as low as RM3,000 per acre per month. They operate with minimal oversight, bypassing the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry's standards and regulations, and often utilize low-grade pesticides without regard for the environment or consumer health. \Lau Weng Soow, deputy president of the Cameron Highlands Vegetable Farmers Association, highlighted the detrimental impact on local farmers who face high operating costs, strict compliance requirements, and taxation. He emphasized that illegal farmers, operating at a lower cost due to their disregard for regulations and environmental impact, undercut local farmers, threatening their livelihoods and sustainability. The unrestricted use of low-grade pesticides by these illegal farms poses a significant risk to consumer health, as there is no guarantee of proper application or adherence to safety standards. Consumer groups recommend purchasing vegetables from established supermarkets, licensed wet markets, or farms certified under MyGAP (Malaysia Good Agricultural Practices) to minimize the risk of consuming pesticide-laden produce
Illegal Farming Pesticide Use Vegetable Supply Malaysia Agriculture Food Security Consumer Health
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