Time to scale back: Despite growing interest in satay ikan bandaraya, experts say such dishes could contain heavy metal contamination. — Photo courtesy of the Suckermouth Catfish Hunters Community
PETALING JAYA: Satay ikan bandaraya (suckermouth catfish) could pose serious toxic risks due to potential heavy metal contamination, say public health experts.
The growing interest in these unconventional dishes has led experts to advise caution and restraint until more is understood about the health impacts of consuming fish from polluted waters.
Prof Dr Mohd Hasni Ja’afar, a toxicologist at Universiti Kebangsaan Malaysia, warns that the fish’s habitat in polluted waters may expose consumers to serious health hazards.
“The public should exercise caution when consuming ikan bandaraya as it typically inhabits dirty and polluted rivers.
“Studies on food contamination in our country’s Environmental Impact Assessments show evidence of heavy metal accumulation in fish from certain rivers. This bioaccumulation process presents a real risk,” he said when contacted.
He added that a recent report from Indonesia highlighted high levels of lead (Pb) in ikan bandaraya, which is commonly used in dishes like otak-otak and fish balls in the country.
Mohd Hasni is concerned that the same scenario could occur in Malaysia and called for a comprehensive analysis of local varieties of the fish before it enters the local food market.
“Even if it tastes like prawn, it’s highly unhealthy,” he cautioned. “Consumption could lead to grave implications.”
If lead contamination is present in suckermouth fish meat in Malaysia, Mohd Hasni said the consequences could be dire for public health.
Lead is a known endocrine- disrupting chemical and is associated with several neurobehavioural risks.
“Lead has a naturally sweet taste, which may make contaminated fish more appealing.
“However, Pb exposure can severely impact IQ and emotional regulation, especially in children, and has been linked to issues like vandalism and aggression,” he explained.
“Some studies have even found a relationship between lead exposure during pregnancy and increased risks of autism in children.”
Hasni added that vaccination is ineffective against the effects of heavy metal exposure.
In Malaysia, he said industrial and agricultural pollution has significantly degraded river quality, leaving several waterways classified as Class V – suitable only for irrigation and drainage.
These heavily polluted rivers, he said, are the very habitats that ikan bandaraya prefer.
“This issue has become a significant problem in Malaysia because of our polluted rivers.
“Before consumption, it is essential to conduct thorough studies on our ikan bandaraya.
“I suspect we would find similar levels of heavy metals here as seen in Indonesia,” he added.
Sharing a similar view was Assoc Prof Dr Malina Osman, an epidemiology and biostatistics expert at Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM), who highlighted the need for further research.
“The impact on public health has not been well studied and remains unestablished so far.
“There should be a detailed study,” she said, adding that public health implications will ultimately depend on the findings of such research.
Health expert Datuk Dr NKS Tharmaseelan cautioned the public about the potential dangers of consuming ikan bandaraya.
Often referred to as “garbage cleaners”, ikan bandaraya are known for feeding on waste materials, including decaying organic matter and other contaminants from polluted rivers.
He warned that these hazardous substances may linger within the fish, rendering them risky for human consumption.
“The public should be mindful of eating these fish as they consume everything, both beneficial and bad, including decomposing animal matter.
“Preparing satay doesn’t fully cook the fish, which could make it nearly poisonous, depending on its diet. These fish present significant risks if incorporated into the human diet,” he said.
He also noted that health consequences may include gastrointestinal issue, such as gastroenteritis with symptoms of diarrhoea and vomiting, particularly in children, where cases of food poisoning could prove fatal.
While no preventive vaccine exists, he highlighted that medical interventions, including hospitalisation, may be necessary for severe cases.
He also backed calls for a comprehensive study on health risks, stating that it could provide critical insights into the illnesses caused by ikan bandaraya consumption and appropriate treatment options.
