Customizing ethical tools for Malaysian farmers: a case for GM crops technology

Abstract

The socio-economic and cultural factors are rarely at the centre stage in the discourse on genetically modified organisms (GMOs) compared to the scientific and technological aspects. This study described the indicators for the ethical principles of genetically modified (GM) crops that can protect the rights of Malaysian farmers. Respect for life and the need to balance the benefits and harms are the indicators of general principles of ethics. It is vital for a decision to comprise of both scientific evidence and ethical consideration. Ethics focuses on what we should or should not do and locality-based. Therefore, ethical principles must be part of the evaluation criteria of policy practices. They must also be custom-made to suit Malaysian farmers. Ethical decision-making regarding genetic modification is complicated since it encompasses many ethical aspects of our lives. This paper aims to analyze and customize the indicators of ethical principles and guidelines on using GM crops in Malaysia to protect Malaysian farmers. A meta-analysis exploration comprised of system-matic review of established research within GM crops’ agronomic, socio-economic, cultural, and environmental effects is employed to consolidate the evidence. The outcome is the formation of an ethical tool comprised of nine indicators that suits farmers in Malaysia.