PETALING JAYA: Recent reports of a fish die-off in Teluk Bahang, Penang have caused concern after the release of wastewater from Japan’s damaged Fukushima nuclear power plant. Despite scientific verification that the fish fatalities are not due to radiation, misinformation on social media continues to spread, impacting seafood sales.
The Kuala Lumpur Hoi Seong Fish Wholesalers Association president, Sing Kian Hock, revealed that the business has suffered a significant decline of 20% to 30% in sales. Fishmongers across the country have also experienced negative repercussions.
He stated, “We are a wholesale market, and vendors from all over come here to purchase seafood for sale at local markets. Over the past two weeks, all our vendors, whether from morning or night markets, have experienced a decline in business.” Concerned customers have been approaching vendors with videos of people falling ill after consuming fish, questioning the safety of consumption.
As a result, some vendors, who previously sold 300kg of seafood daily, are now struggling to sell between 150kg and 180kg per day. Fish varieties such as black pomfret, grouper, and narrow-barred Spanish mackerel (ikan tenggiri batang) have been particularly affected.
The Malaysia Fish Industries General Association president, Chia Tian Hee, expressed worries about the detrimental impact of misleading social media videos on the livelihoods of fishermen. He urged the government to take action in clarifying the situation to prevent an oversupply of seafood and further harm to the industry.
Sang Yeow Seng, a fish trader from Melaka, reported a decline in business attributed to reduced demand caused by social media rumors surrounding fish deaths in Penang, including the circulation of old videos.
“Many customers have asked me and I can only advise them to make their own judgment. I cannot fully convince customers that eating the fish is entirely safe,” added Seng.
Nevertheless, he mentioned that there is still a high demand for small fish and not all seafood is unsellable.
Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima nuclear plant, damaged in a 2011 tsunami, provoked global anxiety. However, the recent fish die-off in Teluk Bahang was due to an algae bloom causing oxygen depletion. Scientists have confirmed that the algae, Noctiluca scintillans, poses no significant threat besides being an irritant, and fish caught in waters around Penang remain safe for consumption.
Credit: The Star : News Feed
