Inspection in progress: Staff from the Department of Fisheries Malaysia collecting mussel and water samples for analysis at a farm in Kampung Telok in Pasir Panjang, Negri Sembilan. — Bernama
SEREMBAN: A study on the impact of the biotoxin contamination case in the mussel farming industry will be conducted for the government to take appropriate measures to help those affected.
Negri Sembilan Mentri Besar Datuk Seri Aminuddin Harun said the state government would look after the welfare of related entrepreneurs and fishermen, especially after Singapore took action to impose limitations on the distribution and purchase of mussels from Port Dickson.
“The mussel industry in this state is not big but only a downstream industry among fishermen to generate income. Even though there are not many of them, we want to monitor the effect of this on coastal fishermen and will take the next step,” he told reporters after launching the Mantai Rayo 2024 programme here yesterday, Bernama reported.
On Saturday, Singapore reportedly imposed limitations on the distribution and purchase of mussels from Port Dickson after they were found to contain harmful biotoxins.
On April 4, Fisheries Department deputy director-general (management) Wan Aznan Abdullah reportedly said that the laboratory analysis of the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre found harmful algae, which caused the mussels in Port Dickson waters to be contaminated and unsafe to eat.
In Melaka, the state Fisheries Department is monitoring and taking preventive measures following the discovery of harmful species of algae in water samples and mussels in Sebatu.
State rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the sale of clams and mussels in the state were temporarily stopped on Friday.
A ban on collecting mussels or clams in state waters had also been issued, he added.
“During the ban, we have an incubation period and the department will continue monitoring the situation by conducting periodic tests.
“Next week, the second and subsequent samples will be taken if the safety level of the biotoxin reading is at the permitted level and confirmed as safe for consumption. If it is still contaminated, we will inform the public,” he said.
Dr Muhamad Akmal was speaking to reporters after launching the state-level Semarak Syawal Agro Madani Sales here yesterday.However, he said no food poisoning related to the consumption of mussels and other bivalves were reported thus far.
It was reported that analysis of samples of mussels and water collected from Sebatu found the presence of the Alexandrium species of algae, which poses health risks to humans.
On the Madani Sales, he said seven farmers’ markets had been selected for the event, in conjunction with the Aidilftiri celebration, to enable consumers to obtain essentials at a lower price.
