PORT DICKSON: Laboratory tests on a second sample of mussels and shellfish taken from Port Dickson waters have confirmed that biotoxin levels remain above the safe threshold of 800 parts per billion (ppb), according to the Kuala Lumpur Fisheries Biosecurity Centre (PBPKL).
Negri Sembilan Fisheries Department director, Kasim Tawe said the seafood is still unsafe to consume and the ban on harvesting and eating shellfish remains in effect due to potential health risks.
“For the samples collected on Tuesday from two locations — Kampung Teluk and Sungai Sekawang — the biotoxin readings were still above the allowable limit. A third round of sampling will be conducted next week,” he said in a statement yesterday.
He added the department will continue to collect and test samples weekly until biotoxin levels fall below the permitted limit.
In the meantime, the public is advised not to collect, consume, or harvest shellfish from the affected waters.
Earlier, the Telok Kemang Area Fishermen’s Association had reported signs of a suspected algal bloom in the Pasir Panjang area and issued a directive banning the sale and harvesting of shellfish (dwicengkerang) in Port Dickson waters. — BERNAMA
© New Straits Times Press (M) Bhd
