SERDANG: Malaysia has yet to decide whether to impose restrictions on seafood imports from Japan following the release of treated radioactive water from the Fukushima nuclear plant into the Pacific Ocean, says Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu.
The Agriculture and Food Security Minister said the Health Ministry and environmental experts were conducting a study to determine any potential danger before the government decides on the matter.
"No decision has been reached at this point, and we will take a stance if the study reveals any threats to the global population,” he told reporters after launching the Mardi Show-Tech organised by the Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (Mardi) here today (Aug 25).
It was reported that several countries including China had decided to suspend seafood imports from Japan as Tokyo began discharging treated radioactive water into the sea on Thursday (Aug 24).
Mohamad said the government is now focusing on the security of food supply, especially rice, in response to early warnings from countries like India and Vietnam that may increase their prices or stop exporting altogether.
He said early preparations must be made to ensure an adequate rice supply through new technology and research, as Malaysia currently imports 35% of its rice needs. - Bernama
