5-4-2024 (KUALA LUMPUR) A recent laboratory analysis conducted by the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre has revealed concerning findings regarding the safety of mussels in the waters of Port Dickson. The results indicate contamination by harmful algae, rendering the mussels unsafe for consumption.
Wan Aznan Abdullah, the Department of Fisheries (DOF) deputy director-general (Management), disclosed that water samples and mussels collected from the area were found to be tainted with biotoxins, along with the presence of harmful algae species such as Prorocentrum, Alexandrium, and Pseudonitzschia.
“The rapid multiplication of these algae in the waters can be attributed to the hot weather conditions, although it does not impact other marine life forms such as fish, shrimp, and crabs,” stated Wan Aznan Abdullah during a press conference held on Thursday (April 4), which also saw the attendance of Kasim Tawe, the state Fisheries Department director.
In light of these findings, Wan Aznan urged the public to refrain from consuming mussels from Port Dickson waters for the next 20 days. Following the festive season, additional samples will be collected and tested to ascertain the safety of mussels in the area.
The DOF will maintain its monitoring efforts, conducting regular tests as per established procedures until the cell density in the water diminishes and biotoxins are no longer detected in mussel samples.
Collaborating with enforcement agencies such as the Royal Malaysian Police and the marine police, the DOF is ensuring strict adherence to regulations, prohibiting the harvesting and sale of shellfish in the district.
“With 40 registered mussel operators in Pasir Panjang, including unregistered ones, any mussels harvested and sold in the market must be disposed of,” Wan Aznan emphasized, while reassuring that mussels remaining in the waters will naturally neutralize themselves over time.
Notably, water samples taken from Melaka and Johor waters have been deemed safe, with no signs of algae proliferation.
Amidst these developments, Wan Aznan confirmed that one victim of poisoning is currently receiving treatment in the intensive care unit (ICU) at Port Dickson Hospital.
This revelation follows earlier reports by the Negri Sembilan DOF, which initiated sampling of mussels and water in response to suspected cases of food poisoning linked to seafood consumption.
The state Health Department has reported a total of eight food poisoning cases associated with mussel consumption, including two ICU admissions, five regular ward admissions, and one outpatient case.
