Rumors spread of fish in formalin

Rumors spread of fish in formalin

MEDAN, North Sumatra: People in the North Sumatra capital of Medan were so shocked by rumors that fish was being preserved in embalming fluid in the local market, that many customers avoided buying the product.

As a result, some 300 fishermen suffered losses because local buyers rejected the fish they had landed.

Chairman of the local chapter of the Indonesian Fishermen's Association (HNSI) Nurdin Harahap said that fish sales dropped after the local office of the Ministry of Maritime Affairs and Fisheries said that fresh fish, including sardines and tuna sold at traditional markets in Medan, were feared to contain formalin, a substance normally used to preserve dead bodies.

"There is no evidence that the fish sold in the traditional markets, such as Simpang Limun, Sukaramai, Kampung Baru and Pulo Brayan, contains formalin. The statement has destroyed the economy of the fishermen, especially those from Pantai Labu in Deli Serdang regency," he said.

Nurdin said that HNSI branch in Deli Serdang and fish traders would sue the official who had made the statement to the court and would demand Rp 1 trillion in compensation for the loss.

The price of fresh fish, which is usually Rp 7,000 per kilogram, has now dropped to Rp 3,500 per kilogram. The amount of fish sold has dropped to 500 kilograms per day from one ton previously. --Antara