Longtail Tuna (Thunnus tonggol) Consumption Frequency in Terengganu, Malaysia

Abstract

In Terengganu, Longtail tuna or Thunnus tonggol is one of the most popular marine fishes landed by fishermen and has a high demand among customers. This species often served with a unique local delicacy called Nasi Dagang and Ikan Singgang, one of the favourite meals during breakfast by local communities. Since people have always consumed this species, therefore this study aims to identify the consumption rate of this species among Terengganu people. Specifically, this survey data obtained from 124 respondents, ages ranged from 15 to 60 years old from five districts in Terengganu, including Besut, Kuala Nerus, Kuala Terengganu, Hulu Terengganu, and Kemaman. Generally, the estimated amount of this species consumption is 239.7 g per person and 1.83 times per week. From the formula calculated, the amount of this species consumed by one person is 437.4 g/person/week. This value can use to calculate the permissible tolerable weekly intake (PTWI) to estimate the intake of pollutants, such as heavy metals in the human body.