JASIN: The Melaka Fisheries Department is taking preventive measures following the discovery of harmful species of algae in the water and mussels collected in Sebatu here.
Melaka Rural Development, Agriculture and Food Security Committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said the sale of clams and mussels in Melaka was temporarily halted from Friday (April 5).
He also issued a ban on collecting mussels or clams in state waters.
"There is an incubation period during the ban. The Fisheries Department will continue monitoring and conduct periodic tests over 20 days.
"During this time, samples will be taken. We will inform the public if biotoxin readings are at permitted levels and (mussels) are safe for consumption or are still contaminated," he told reporters after officiating the state-level Semarak Syawal Agro Madani Sales at Merlimau Farmers' Market here on Sunday (April 7).
However, he said that no cases of food poisoning related to the consumption of mussels and other bivalves have been reported in Melaka so far.
It was reported that the Melaka Fisheries Department has prohibited the public from consuming bivalves until biotoxin readings reach permissible levels.
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The department said that analysis of mussels and water collected from Sebatu, Melaka by its biosecurity laboratory revealed the presence of the Alexandrium species of algae, which poses a health risk to humans.
Meanwhile, Muhamad Akmal said that seven locations in Melaka had been selected to implement the Semarak Syawal Agro Madani Sales in conjunction with Aidilftiri celebrations, which allow consumers to obtain essentials at a lower price.
He said that it involved the Selandar Farmers' Market, Masjid Tanah Farmers' Market, Jasin Farmers' Market, Ayer Molek Farmers' Market, Taman Maju Farmers' Market, Alor Gajah Farmers' Market and Merlimau Farmers' Market, with the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) also targeting over 8,200 consumers and sales value of RM410,000.
"Semarak Syawal Agro Madani Sales offer beef at RM28 per kilogramme, by Pembangunan Pertanian Melaka Sdn Bhd, while Fama will provide about 1,000 chickens for RM10 per bird, as well as the sale of the Madani combo set for RM10. – Bernama
