GEORGE TOWN – A consumer advocate group is calling for a ban on neonicotinoid insecticides, among others, after failing to find bee nests in the northern states.
Consumers Association of Penang (CAP) president Mohideen Abdul Kader said researchers concluded that extensive use of neonicotinoid insecticides has reduced the bee population in the wild after a survey of several locations in Kedah, Penang and Perak failed to find any nests.
He added that research by Health Canada in 2013 found that these types of insecticides were detected in 70% of dead bees.
Mohideen said this in conjunction with World Bee Day today, advocating for healthy integrated farming as it ensures the elimination of dangerous pests and the increase in predator insects.
“Bees are an integral part of natural farming as they help in pollination,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He also said that farmers were able to collect honey for their personal or commercial use.
“This will not only save the bees, but also other useful insects. Eventually, the farmers will benefit with better yield. The survival of bees is vital to our food chain and the enrichment of our biodiversity.”
Meanwhile, CAP education bureau head N.V. Subbarow accompanied students from SJKT Bayan Lepas, SJKT Ladang Malakoff and SJKT Kuala Ketil to the Sherwani honeybee farm in Charok Tualang, near Kuala Ketil in Kedah to educate the children on pollination and the role of the bees. – The Vibes, May 20, 2022
