Group: Global plant treaty may hurt M’sian farmers

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia’s potential move to join a global treaty on plant varieties may criminalise traditional practices like seed saving and sharing, driving up costs and increasing farmers dependence on large seed companies, it was revealed. Federation of Vegetable Farmers Associations secretary Tan Chee Keong said many local farmers still use their own seeds as part of...

Malaysia to sign FTA with four-nation European bloc

PETALING JAYA: Malaysia and the European Free Trade Association (Efta) have successfully concluded negotiations for a free trade agreement (FTA), says Tengku Datuk Seri Zafrul Aziz. Efta comprises Iceland, Liechtenstein, Norway and Switzerland. The Investment, Trade and Industry Minister said this marks a significant milestone in Malaysia's international trade agenda. Zafrul said the agreement, formally known as the...