UTM develops new system to remove toxic metals in cockles

PONTIAN: A research team from Universiti Teknologi Malaysia (UTM), led by Prof Dr Abdul Rahim Mohd Yusoff, has developed a molluscure system (Bivalve mollusc toxic metals removal system) for shellfish, cockles, mussel and oyster.
Deputy Minister of International Trade and Industry, Ahmad Maslan who is also the MP for Pontian said that Pontian is the biggest cockles production base in Johor, with the production of 1,000kg last year and it is expected to increase to nearly 2,000kg this year.
He said, Pontian cockles top the other districts in Johor because of its good quality sea water.
The fishermen here are also aware not to harvest young cockles for the sustainability of the aquaculture industries.
“We also stop selling baby cockles to Ulu Selangor as we want to increase the production here,” he added after launching the molluscure system at Pasar Nelayan Air Baloi here
He said, good quality of cockles as well as fishes, can be a tourist attraction.
Earlier, Abdul Rahim said, it took them about six year to come up with the system that can wash out the toxic metals such as lead, chromium, nickel, cadmium and arsenic.
The system was also licensed to be commercialised by Focus Industrial System.