A press statement by the Minister of Health recently assured Malaysian consumers of the safety of the shark fins which are available in Malaysia.
The press statement dated 20 July 2001 came after a US-based environmental group reported
that it has found high traces of mercury in shark fins samples. In particular US-based WildAid said that independent tests on shark fins bought in Bangkok had mercury levels up to 42 times higher than the safe limit for humans. WildAid also claims to have found that certain shark fin samples have also been treated with chemicals to increase their size. In the same newspaper report, tests in Hong Kong apparently gave the same result.
According to the Malaysian press statement, mercury is a form of neurotoxin which will affect the human nervous system. It will also affect unborn children in pregnant women.
According to the same press statement, tests conducted on shark fins in Malaysia have shown that the mercury levels to be below the maximum allowed under the Food Regulation 1985 and Food Act 1983. It is believed that the mercury traces in shark fins are due to environmental contamination.
The Health Minister, Mr Chua Jui Ming, was reported in the News Straits Times on 22 July 2001 to be more concerned of restaurant operators who overcharge consumers for dishes of artificial shark's fins. "This is becoming rampant and many consumers have filed complaints with the Ministry as they feel that they are being cheated," said Mr Chua. In respect of the mercury contamination issue, Mr Chua assured the public that his Ministry will continue to monitor the market and all entry points to Malaysia such as ports and border points to ensure that imported shark's fins are safe for consumption
