KUALA LUMPUR – Malaysia does not import any live marine fish from Japan and significant steps have been taken to closely monitor the situation in regards to Japan’s move to release nuclear plant wastewater into the ocean.
Dr Kelvin Yii, who is the special advisor to the health minister said this following escalating concerns over Japan’s decision to release treated wastewater from the Fukushima Daiichi nuclear plant.
“As for non-live fishery products from Japan, all relevant authorities, including the Malaysian Quarantine Inspection Services Department and Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority will constantly monitor food safety issue levels including checks on health certifications and radiation during post-import,” he said in a statement.
Dr Yii said food safety is not something that will be compromised and through the Health Ministry, “high-risk” food imports from Japan will be subject to Level 4 (surveillance) examination to screen for radioactive elements.
“This is something that the ministry, through its Food Safety and Quality Division, has done in the event of possible risk including monitoring Japanese food imports from May 2011 to April 2012 following the earthquake that led to a triple meltdown at the power plant,” he said.
He said samples were collected and analysed to ensure all fall within regulatory limits which are regulated under Regulation 37 of the Food Regulations 1985, with guidance from the Food and Agriculture Organisation’s General Standard for Contaminants and Toxins in Food and Feed.
“I understand some of the anxieties and even concerns raised by the public even to me and that is why in order to address this concern, the ministry is committed to constantly monitoring national entry points and local markets to ensure food safety is guaranteed.
“While I respect the choice of the consumers whether to be cautious with their purchase, the ministries including MoH & MAFS are on high alert to ensure food supplied to Malaysia is safe for consumption,” he added.
On Tuesday, Japan Prime Minister Fumio Kishida said the country would start releasing more than one million metric tonnes of treated water from the wrecked nuclear power plant.
Japan has said that the release of treated water from the plant operated by the Tokyo Electric Power Company (Tepco) is consistent with international safety standards.
Deputy Agriculture and Food Security Minister Chan Foong Hin had also earlier assured that there were currently no live marine fish imported from Japan, according to the Fisheries Department. – The Vibes, August 25, 2023
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