In brief
The Department of Fisheries confirmed the presence of the toxin‑producing organism in Brunei’s Belait, Tutong and Brunei‑Muara districts, urging the public to avoid collecting or consuming affected marine life. A Facebook post from the Borneo Bulletin said scientists have found the bloom to be non‑toxic and harmless to marine life. Both accounts highlight differing assessments of the bloom’s danger.
Brunei’s coastal waters remain under a red‑tide bloom, laboratory tests from October 30 to November 3 confirmed the presence of the toxin‑producing organism in the Belait, Tutong and Brunei‑Muara districts, the Department of Fisheries told reporters on Wednesday.
Official Warning
The department warned the public not to collect or consume small fish, shellfish or any fish found dead, as the organism can produce toxins that pose health risks, Xinhua reported.
Citizen Report
A Facebook post from the Borneo Bulletin claimed scientists had confirmed the algal bloom is non‑toxic and will not kill marine life that comes into contact with it, contradicting the Department’s safety advisory.
Borneo Bulletin’s online news site also reiterated that the organism responsible for the red‑tide phenomenon continues to be detected across the Belait, Tutong and Brunei‑Muara districts, echoing the Department’s findings.