SHAH ALAM, Nov 26 — The state government is currently trying to restore the cockle breeding areas in the waters of Kuala Selangor and Sabak Bernam to increase its production.
State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim said they are currently carrying out a joint study with SIRIM Berhad to identify the cause of the decline in the shellfish seeds (broodstock for spawning) in Sabak Bernam's waters.
The second phase study was carried out following the results of the first phase with SIRIM in the waters off Kuala Selangor last year, which found that cockles in the area were toxic and not suitable for consumption.
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State executive councillor for infrastructure and agriculture Izham Hashim addresses the Selangor State Legislative Assembly at Wisma DNS, Shah Alam, on November 26, 2024. — Picture by REMY ARIFIN/MEDIA SELANGOR[/caption]
"Pollution in the waters off Kuala Selangor occurred following the outflow of the polluted waters of Sungai Buloh into the sea and according to the study, many of these shellfish there died.
"We do not deny that the cockle seeds were stolen to be smuggled out because the seeds in Kuala Selangor are among the highest quality," he said during the State Legislative Assembly session today.
Izham was responding to a query regarding the deterioration of cockle seeds in Selangor waters.
The state government is looking into solutions to improve water quality to increase the number of cockles which are high-value organisms for the agriculture sector.
"In addition, we will look back at which cockle lots were not cultivated to be given to new people and will till the soil so that new cockles can breed better," he said.
Earlier, during the question session, Izham informed the assembly of the significant decrease in cockle production, and how the state government is making efforts to overcome the matter.
He was replying to Sungai Panjang state assemblyman Mohd Razali Saari, who wanted to know the main factor behind the decline of Sabak Bernam's cockle production every year.
— Bernama
