PETALING JAYA: Seafood remains safe for consumption despite microplastics being detected in marine life across Malaysian waters, with the Fisheries Department saying the health risk from eating seafood remains low.
Its director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said national studies found microplastics in marine life across Malaysian waters, with 93.3% of Indian mackerel examined containing microplastics in their gastrointestinal tracts and 28.89% showing low concentrations in edible muscle tissue.
“The vast majority of ingested microplastics remain isolated in the stomach and intestines of fish.
“As these organs are routinely removed during preparation before cooking, consumer exposure through standard fish fillets is minimised.
“Species consumed whole, such as small anchovies, cockles or mussels, present a slightly higher exposure pathway, though overall dietary intake remains limited,” he said.
Concerns over microplastic pollution in Malaysia’s marine ecosystems have grown following findings of contamination in coral reefs around Pulau Redang.
It was reported that microplastics were detected in 64% of the 200 coral samples collected around Pulau Redang, with higher concentrations found near resort hubs, diving centres, water sports zones and vessel routes, highlighting the impact of coastal and tourism activities.
Adnan said current international risk assessments, including evaluations by the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO), considered the human health risk from microplastic ingestion through seafood to be low.
“Seafood remains a vital, highly nutritious and safe source of protein for Malaysians. The department does not advise the public to avoid seafood consumption,” he said.
Adnan added that since 2019, the department has studied microplastic and macroplastic pollution along the north-western and eastern coasts of Peninsular Malaysia and Labuan, including in commercial fish and shellfish.
He also said that monitoring alone could not solve the problem and that it must be tackled at the source.
This meant reducing single-use plastics, improving waste collection and management on land and islands, ensuring responsible disposal of fishing gear, and strengthening producer responsibility, he said.
