Sabah Warns Of Shellfish Poisoning From Kota Kinabalu Waters

Tags: food, health, Lifestyle, News, Notice, sabah, Sabah Fisheries Department

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The Sabah government has recently issued a warning to the public regarding the collection and eating of shellfish, especially from the waters of Kota Kinabalu.

The warning that was issued originated from the Sabah Fisheries Department, and had confirmed a case of “Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning” (PSP) in the Kota Kinabalu District, specifically in the area of Likas Bay.

PSP levels have surpassed the danger threshold

Azhar Kassim, the director of the Sabah Fisheries Department, revealed in a recent notice that the detected levels of the poison in Teluk Likas have surpassed the danger threshold. As such, he emphasised that the shellfish in the affected waters are now considered to be toxic, posing a significant health risk to those that consume it.

“As a precautionary measure, it is advised that members of the public do not collect and eat shellfish from the affected area,” said Azhar Kassim, NST reported.

“The Sabah Fisheries Department will monitor the developments of this PSP incident from time to time as a precautionary measure,” he added.

PSP can be fatal

PSP is a serious health concern caused by the consumption of shellfish contaminated with harmful toxins. Generally, it is caused by toxins produced by certain types of algae or plankton that reproduce in the waters of the west coast of Sabah, including Likas Bay. This phenomenon tends to commonly occur during the end and beginning of the year.

Symptoms of PSP can range from mild neurological effects to severe respiratory distress. In certain extreme cases, PSP can be fatal. With these potential risks in mind, authorities are taking immediate steps to protect public safety.

However, it is important to note that fish from this region is still considered safe for consumption, provided that the gills are completely removed.

For more iinformation, members of the public can contact the Likas Fisheries Complex at 088-425890 and 013-8668440 or reach out to the Kinabalu District Fisheries Officer at 019-8620401.