JASIN: The Melaka government, through the state Fisheries Department, is actively promoting mussels and cockles to reassure the public that these aquaculture products are now safe for consumption.
State rural development, agriculture and food security committee chairman Dr Muhamad Akmal Saleh said that the ban on harvesting and selling shellfish, including mussels, in the state’s waters was lifted earlier last month due to a decline in biotoxin levels to safe thresholds.
He said that the promotion will be carried out gradually across the state, including at farmers’ markets, through the ‘Taste of Aquaculture: Mussel and Cockle Promotion’ programme, which aims to highlight these aquaculture products as attractions for both local and international tourists.
“These mussels are sourced from Melaka waters, specifically from Sebatu, and are commonly known as ‘sweet mussels.’ The cockles are also part of a programme we run with local fishermen.
“Studies have shown that mussels from this area are the tastiest and sweetest, and prior to the biotoxin contamination issue, demand for these aquaculture products was very high,” he told reporters at the Merlimau Farmers’ Market on Sunday (Sept 29).
He made these remarks following the ‘Taste of Aquaculture: Mussel and Clam Promotion’ event organised by the Melaka Fisheries Department, which was also attended by the state Fisheries Director, Saufi Affandi Talib. – Bernama
