Evaluating Consumer Purchase Intentions for Genetically Modified Food in Malaysia: A Comparative Study of Muslim and Non-Muslim Consumers

This study is an attempt to identify the status of genetically modified food consumption in the developing countries like Malaysia. From preceding literature, a theoretical framework was developed to show the effects of perceived risks, perceived quality and social norms on the consumer purchase intention for genetically modified food. The sample of 392 respondents was randomly selected from two leading hypermarkets in Johor Bahru. Results from Multiple Regression revealed that among the three predicting variables, perceived quality and social norms had significant and positive relationship with the consumer purchase intentions while perceived risks did not have any significant relationship with it. A comparative analysis of Muslim and non-Muslim consumers revealed significant difference of the purchase intentions for GMF between the two groups. Implications and future research suggestions are also discussed.