ALOR STAR: Many of those working in the agriculture sector, especially paddy farmers, were found to have signs of health problems due to improper use of pesticide.
Department of Occupational Safety and Health and Health (DOSH) director-general Ir Mohtar Musri said the findings were based on a recent research on the exposure of agriculture chemicals among paddy farmers in the Peninsular Malaysia by researches from Universiti Utara Malaysia.
"The research also revealed that a large number of paddy farmers were found to have not received any kind of training on the proper use of pesticides.
"Among the farmers, information on the proper use of pesticide was usually obtained from the pesticide sellers or other farmers.
"The farmers were also found to be unaware of the hazard and risk of not using the pesticide properly and many ignore the importance on the proper and complete clothing and protective equipment. As a result, they are exposed to various health risks," said Mohtar.
He noted that the agriculture sector recorded the second highest in the country on cases involving industrial accidents, after manufacturing.
"Last year, there were a total of 42 deaths, nine cases involving permanent disability and 441 cases involving temporary disability throughout the country in the agriculture sector alone.
"Meanwhile, up until February this year, there were a total of two deaths reported, two cases involving permanent disability and 69 cases involving temporary disability throughout the country.
"In Kedah alone, there were seven cases involving temporary disability last year and five cases this year (up until February)," he added.
Mohtar was speaking to media after officiating state level Compliance Support in the Agriculture Sector Programme and the Work Improvement Neighbourhood Development (WIND) Programme which was held at the Keriang Hill Resort.
The one-day programme was held to provide the farmers and breeders with the knowledge on the research done and the proper use of pesticide, among others.
Nearly 200 farmers, breeders, agriculture officers, MADA and Bernas officers participated in the programmes.