A FOOD group wants the newly minted unity government to relook the Comprehensive and Progressive Agreement for the Trans-Pacific Partnership (CPTPP) and its impact on the farming community. 

Malaysian Food Sovereignty Malaysia (MFSM) spokesman Nurfitri Amir Muhammad said the previous government did not evaluate its impact on farmers as well as on fishermen when it decided to sign the agreement on September 30.

“We would like the new government to re-assess and to look at the agreement closely. Since the debate on this issue, not one statement has been made by the relevant body or by the ministry,” said Nurfitri.

This morning a group of individuals from MFSM sent a memorandum to the Agriculture and Food Security Ministry, which was received by its minister Mohamad Sabu today.

The memorandum urged Mohamad to reconsider Malaysia’s position in the agreement as it threatens the rights of poor farmers and fishermen.

In a previous statement dated October 5, the International Trade and Industry Ministry (Miti) said the ratification came after years of detailed deliberation, extensive consultations and careful assessment by the government.

Miti said in light of the findings of the cost-benefit analysis, it is clear that the benefits accruing from the ratification of the CPTPP far outweigh any potential costs that may arise from the implementation of this agreement.

Responding to the statement by Miti, Nurfitri said the previous government failed to consider the impact on farmers as the agreement disallow farmers to sell and plant its own seeds.

He added with the agreement, the price of fertilisers will increase two-fold from current cost.

“Companies that produce fertilisers will get exclusive rights for 10 years and at the same time veterinary medicine will also go up due to the zero tariff import,” he said.

The memorandum was handed over directly to Mohamad at 10.30am before a closed door meeting between the minister and the group took place 15 minutes later. – December 29, 2022.