Puffer fish does not always end up on the dining table, some are kept in aquariums as ornamental fish.

Johor Fisheries Department director Zainudin Abdul Wahab said the fish, which contains deadly toxins, was not a popular food among Malaysians.

“Local fishermen will throw it back into the sea if the fish is caught in their nets, especially if it is dead; it has no value.

“Puffer fish can be found not only in Malaysian waters but throughout the world, which is why we do not export it to foreign countries such as Japan,” he said.

Zainudin said in the Land of the Rising Sun, the lethal puffer – which is known as fugu – is a luxury delicacy, but it must be prepared by trained and certified chefs.

“This fish must be handled properly to make sure it is not harmful for human consumption,” he added yesterday.

He said there were ornamental fish lovers who kept puffers in their aquariums.

 “People can buy puffer fish at shops selling ornamental fish. However, the sellers must have a licence to sell such a poisonous fish,” he added.

Zainudin said the department had been taking proactive measures to create awareness among the people, alerting them on the danger of consuming puffer fish.

Apart from using social media platforms to reach out to the public, he said officers from the department had also been meeting fishermen on this matter.

Asked if the department would carry out its own investigation into the tragic deaths of an elderly couple who died after consuming puffer fish, Zainudin said they would allow the Health Department to complete their probe first before making any further decision.

On Saturday, Eng Kuai Sin @ Ng Chuan Sing, 84, died after fighting for his life at the hospital for two weeks while his wife Lim Siew Guan, 83, died several hours after they ate the fish on March 25.

Source:
courtesy of THE STAR

by MOHD FARHAAN SHAH

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