I REFER to the report, “Puffer fish meal kills two” (NST, June 21).

Centre for Disease Control director Dr Hasan Abd Rahman said all the cases were in Johor.

He said: “The fish contains tetradoxin, a poison which is found in its liver, ovaries and intestine. This toxin is extremely dangerous and cannot be destroyed by heat. The Health Ministry advises the public not to buy or eat puffer fish.”

Johor Women and Family Development, Social Welfare and Health committee chairman Dr Robia Kosai added: “I would advise people not to consume puffer fish because of its poison. They shouldn’t buy it if they see it in the market.”

What surprises us is that the authorities are allowing this deadly fish to be sold in markets.

Knowing that it had already caused two deaths, should not the authorities ban the fish?

Those who choose to defy the ban and sell the fish should be prosecuted.

It is not sufficient for the Health Ministry just to warn the public not to buy or eat the fish. Fishermen should be directed to throw the fish back into the sea.

Such deadly fish should remain in the sea where they belong and not be allowed on market shelves.

DR A. SOORIAN,Seremban

Source: NST – June 25, 2008