Bukit mertajam: Laboratory analysis of cockle samples from Sungai Kuala Juru in Bukit Mertajam has found them to be safe for consumption and in compliance with national food safety standards. The Penang State Department of Fisheries (JPNPP) confirmed that heavy metal content, including mercury, cadmium, and lead, in the samples was below the maximum limits permitted under the Food Act 1983.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the examination covered heavy metal parameters, water quality, plankton, and marine biotoxins. Biotoxin analysis using the High-Performance Liquid Chromatography (HPLC) method recorded Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP) toxin levels at low and safe readings. Furthermore, microscopic analysis of the water samples confirmed the absence of toxic microalgae such as Alexandrium spp., Dinophysis spp., and Pseudo-nitzschia spp., which are associated with red tide phenomena.
JPNPP also reported that ammonia and nitrate levels complied with the National Water Quality Standard Class IIA for the preservation of sensitive aquatic life. The analysis was conducted by the Batu Maung Fisheries Research Institute (IPP), in collaboration with the Kuantan Fisheries Biosecurity Centre and the Selangor Fisheries Biosecurity Centre, following complaints of pollution from the local community.
Meanwhile, Penang Fisheries director Azimah Jumatli stated that the findings indicated that both the waters off Kuala Juru and marine products in the area remained at safe and controlled levels. She reassured the public that the fishery resources in Kuala Juru remain safe for consumption and do not pose any risk to consumers' health.
On May 12, approximately 100 cockle farmers and fishermen in Kampung Kuala Juru expressed concerns over Sungai Juru's pollution, which they claimed had worsened over the past year, impacting their livelihoods. Penang Consumer Association president Mohideen Abdul Kader mentioned that the pollution, suspected to be from industrial waste and shrimp farm discharge, significantly reduced farmers' and fishermen's income by more than 50 percent following cockle and fish deaths in the river.