Sains Malaysiana 35(1): 51-55 (2006)
Factors Affecting Public Attitude Toward Genetically Modified Food in Malaysia (Faktor yang Mempengaruhi Sikap Masyarakat Malaysia Terhadap Makanan Terubahsuai secara Genetik)
Latifah Amin Pusat Pengajian Umum Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Jamaluddin Md. Jahi Pusat Pengajian Siswazah Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Abdul Rahim Md. Nor Pusat Pengajian Sosial, Pembangunan dan Persekitaran Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Mohamad Osman Pusat Pengajian Sains Sekitaran dan Sumber Alam Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
Nor Muhammad Mahadi Pusat Pengajian BioSains dan Bioteknologi Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia 43600 UKM Bangi, Selangor D.E., Malaysia
ABSTRACT
Public perceptions, understanding and acceptance of modern biotechnology can both promote and hamper their commercial introduction and adoption. Various studies have shown that consumer acceptance of modern biotechnology tend to be conditional and dependent on several factors. Public perceptions of biotechnology have received extensive attention in recent years in most Western countries such as Europe, USA and Canada but there have been limited similar surveys in developing countries. Most of the earlier studies used uni-dimensional or bi-dimensional instrument with multi-items or the most is four dimensions with single item. In this study, public attitude towards genetically modified (GM) soybean that is already available in the Malaysian market. A survey was carried out on 577 general public respondents in the Klang Valley region. In order to detect the structure of attitude amongst the expert group in the Klang Valley region, structural equation modeling (SEM) using AMOS version 5.1 was carried out. Result of the survey has confirmed that attitude towards complex issues such as biotechnology should be seen as multi-faceted/ multidimensional process. The most important factors predicting encouragement of GM soybean are the specific application-linked perceptions about the benefits and acceptance of risk while moral concern, risk and familiarity are significant predictors of intermediate factors. Researchers, policy makers and industries interested in developing and marketing GM products in Malaysia should consider the various factors mentioned in this in order to gain public approval.
Keywords: public attitude, genetically modified food, structural equation modeling, risk perception
ABSTRAK
Persepsi, kefahaman dan penerimaan masyarakat terhadap bioteknologi moden boleh mempromosi atau menghalang proses pengkomersilan dan penggunaannya. Kajian lepas menunjukkan bahawa penerimaan konsumer terhadap bioteknologi moden adalah bersyarat dan bergantung kepada beberapa faktor. Kebelakangan ini, persepsi masyarakat terhadap bioteknologi telah mendapat liputan yang meluas di negara barat seperti Eropah, USA dan Kanada tetapi masih terhad di negera membangun. Kebanyakan kajian lepas telah menggunakan instrumen satu atau dua dimensi yang berbilang item ataupun instrumen empat dimensi dengan item tunggal. Dalam kajian ini, sikap masyarakat terhadap makanan terubahsuai secara genetik telah dinilai berdasarkan instrumen berbilang dimensi dan item. Kacang soya terubahsuai secara genetik yang telah berada di pasaran Malaysia telah dipilih untuk mewakili makanan terubahsuai secara genetik. Satu soal selidik telah dijalankan ke atas 577 responden yang terdiri daripada masyarakat awam di kawasan Lembah Klang. Analisis Model Persamaan Berstruktur (SEM) menggunakan perisian AMOS versi 5.1 telah dijalankan untuk melihat struktur sikap terhadap kacang soya terubahsuai secara genetik. Hasil kajian telah mengesahkan bahawa sikap terhadap isu kompleks seperti makanan terubahsuai secara genetik patut dilihat daripada pelbagai sudut atau dimensi. Faktor terpenting dalam meramalkan sokongan terhadap kacang soya terubahsuai secara genetik adalah persepsi mengenai faedah dan penerimaan risiko makanan tersebut. Selain itu, aspek moral, risiko dan ‘familiarity’ turut memberikan sumbangan yang signifikan kepada faktor peranatara. Para penyelidik, penggubal polisi dan industri yang berminat untuk membangunkan dan memasarkan produk terubahsuai secara genetik haruslah memberi perhatian yang serius terhadap faktor ini bagi memastikan penerimaan masyarakat terhadap produk mereka.
Kata kunci: sikap masyarakat, makanan terubahsuai secara genetik, model persamaan berstruktur, persepsi risiko
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