Saudi Journal of Business and Management Studies (SJBMS)
Volume-3 | Issue-03 | 320-358
Original Research Article
Consumer Perception towards Imported Genetically Modified Food Products in Malaysia
Yap Yan Jun, Ida Yasin
Published : March 14, 2018
Abstract
Genetic modification (GM) technology in food is a new variety of food
choices for Malaysian consumers. Majority of the consumers have no or limited
knowledge on GM technology and food. However, some of the products in foreign
countries are GM food, hence, it is important to understand consumers‟ perception to
provide policy makers, government agencies, and industry players a clear view on the
effect of imported GM food in Malaysia. Semi structure interview was adopted in this
study to have an in-depth understanding on consumers‟ perception on GM food.
Consumers with basic knowledge on GM technology and food were involved in this
study. The finding indicated that attitude, relative advantage, compatibility, perceived
control behaviors (PCB) and observability in term of information were positively
related to adoption intention. Complexity has a negative relation with adoption
intention. As majority of consumers have no knowledge on GM food and there are no
labeling of GM food in Malaysia market, hence subjective norm, trialability and
observability of physical products were not obvious at the time of study. Consumers‟
perception toward a new innovation is important which all relevant sectors able to
generate better strategy plan to promote the new products as well as provide protection
to the consumers, in this case, the uncertainty of long term health issues and
transparency of information.