KOTA KINABALU: Kuala Penyu is the latest district in Sabah to be affected by the red tide phenomenon after it was detected in Kota Kinabalu and Tuaran last weekend.
However, the algae ‘Ceratium furca’ traced there does not pose a danger to human health but can cause fish mortality, said the Sabah Fisheries Department.
“The algae can block gills of fish and kill it.
“We therefore advise caged fish farmers in the district to move their fish to safer coastal locations or into a pool or tank.
“Sea water used must be filtered before being put into the fish pool or tank.
“Consumption of all shellfish, fish, squid, crabs and prawns (from this area) are safe, but their gills must be disposed of and the seafood must be washed properly with clean water before cooking,” said Sabah Fisheries director Azhar Kassim in a statement on Tuesday (Feb 21).
He added that the department will continuously monitor the red tide situation in this state as a precaution, and any enquiries can be forwarded to Likas Fisheries Complex (088-428 410, 088-428 415, 088-425 677) or Kuala Penyu district fisheries enforcement officer (087-884 477, 014-955 5 518).