FIVE vegetable sellers were fined a total of RM7,600 (S$3,118) in court this year for excessive pesticide residue in their produce.

State Assistant Minister for Food Industry Datuk David Teng Lung Chi said 2% of the 243 vegetable samples (both imported and locally grown) tested by the Health Department this year were found to contain high pesticide residue.

Teng said the Agriculture Department collected an average of 1,000 samples a year from the major vegetable growing areas for analysis.

"In cases where excessive pesticide residue is found, the farmer concerned is given advice on the proper use of pesticides and following the recommended dosage," he told Andy Chia Chu Fatt (BN-Pujut).

Teng also said that the department promoted good agriculture practices in vegetable farming through the implementation of a vegetable certification scheme to ensure locally grown vegetables are safe for consumption.

--The Star/ANN