Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege

Singapore oil spill: Johor Strait fish farms unaffected, SFA confirms local fish are safe to eat

Image Credits: UnsplashImage Credits: Unsplash
  • The recent oil spill in Singapore has not affected fish farms in the Johor Strait, and local fish are safe to eat, according to the SFA.
  • Extensive cleanup efforts are underway to mitigate the environmental impact, with significant community involvement.
  • Authorities are closely monitoring the situation to protect marine life and habitats from further damage.

The recent oil spill off the coast of Singapore has raised significant concerns about its impact on marine life and local fish farms. However, the Singapore Food Agency (SFA) has confirmed that fish farms in the Johor Strait remain unaffected, and local fish are safe to eat.

On June 14, 2024, a collision between the Netherlands-flagged dredging boat Vox Maxima and the stationary Singapore-flagged bunker vessel Marine Honour at Pasir Panjang Terminal resulted in a significant oil spill. The spill has since spread to various coastal areas, including Sentosa, Labrador Nature Reserve, and East Coast Park, prompting an extensive cleanup operation.

Impact on Marine Life

The oil spill has had a noticeable impact on marine habitats and wildlife. Reports indicate that mangroves, lagoons, and coastal areas around St John’s and Lazarus Islands have been affected. Marine conservation groups have observed oil-coated birds and marine animals struggling to survive. Ms. Sue Ye, founder of Marine Stewards, highlighted the dire situation, stating, "Oil spills smother and suffocate fish, birds, and marine animals that have to go to the surface for air, such as turtles and dolphins".

Fish Farms in Johor Strait

Despite the widespread environmental impact, the SFA has assured the public that fish farms in the Johor Strait have not been affected by the oil spill. The agency has conducted thorough inspections and water quality tests to ensure the safety of local seafood. "Our tests confirm that the fish from these farms are safe for consumption," an SFA spokesperson stated.

Cleanup Efforts

Authorities have intensified cleanup efforts to mitigate the spill's impact. The Maritime and Port Authority of Singapore (MPA) has deployed 18 response craft, oil booms, dispersants, and oil skimmers to contain and clean up the spill. Close to 1,500 meters of container booms have been deployed to prevent further spread of oil onto the shores.

Community Involvement

The local community has shown a strong willingness to assist in the cleanup efforts. National Development Minister Desmond Lee mentioned that many people have contacted authorities to volunteer. "Anyone who wants to volunteer or contribute in any way can fill up this form," he said in a Facebook post.

While the oil spill has undoubtedly caused environmental damage, the swift response from authorities and the community's involvement have been crucial in managing the situation. The assurance from the SFA that local fish are safe to eat provides some relief amid the ongoing cleanup efforts. Continued vigilance and coordinated efforts will be essential to fully address the spill's impact and protect Singapore's marine ecosystems.


Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 4:00:00 PM

US-China trade tensions: No negotiations confirmed

[WORLD] China’s Ministry of Commerce on Thursday refuted claims of ongoing trade negotiations with the United States, stating that reports suggesting progress in...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 2:00:00 PM

Malaysian firms eye Uganda’s oil fields amid shrinking domestic reserves

[MALAYSIA] Malaysian companies have been invited to compete for unexplored petroleum fields in Uganda, as the Southeast Asian nation’s oil and gas sector...

Economy United States
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 12:30:00 PM

Trump administration weighs auto tariff reductions amid industry pressure

[UNITED STATES] The Trump administration is weighing the possibility of reducing certain tariffs imposed on the automotive industry, which executives have warned could...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 11:00:00 AM

Hong Kong stocks drop as US rules out unilateral tariff cuts

[WORLD] Hong Kong stocks slipped on Thursday, ending a three-day winning streak, after investor sentiment took a hit following remarks from US Treasury...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Malaysia’s inflation eases in March amid public cost-of-living concerns

[MALAYSIA] Malaysia’s headline inflation rose at a slightly slower pace of 1.4% in March 2025, easing from 1.5% in February, in line with...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 24, 2025 at 7:30:00 AM

Oil prices drop as OPEC+ weighs output hike amid trade and supply uncertainties

[WORLD] Oil prices fell 2% on Wednesday as sources claimed Opec+ will consider increasing oil supply in June, although losses were limited by...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

US-China trade war disrupts LNG contracts

[WORLD] Analysts suggest that Chinese state-owned energy companies and private gas suppliers might need to renegotiate their long-term liquefied natural gas (LNG) contracts...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 10:30:00 AM

Tariff talks shape Bursa outlook

[MALAYSIA] Bursa Malaysia's market outlook is poised for significant shifts as ongoing tariff negotiations, particularly with the United States, introduce new uncertainties. While...

Economy World
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

China’s energy-storage sector braces for tough year amid trade war and policy shifts

[WORLD] China’s energy-storage industry is bracing for a turbulent year, as intensifying trade frictions with the United States and diminishing government backing weigh...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Palm oil prices steady amid global shifts

[MALAYSIA] Malaysian crude palm oil (CPO) prices are projected to maintain a stable range of RM3,900 per metric ton throughout the second quarter...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 10:00:00 AM

Malaysia braces for US trade talks amid tariff tensions

[MALAYSIA] Malaysia can expect to face pressure to boost agricultural imports from the US and align closer to the world’s largest economy as...

Economy Malaysia
Image Credits: Unsplash
EconomyApril 23, 2025 at 9:30:00 AM

US-China trade optimism lifts Malaysian stocks

[MALAYSIA] Global markets found renewed momentum on Wednesday following optimistic remarks from a senior US official suggesting that the ongoing trade tensions between...

Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege
Load More
Ad Banner
Advertisement by Open Privilege