Fisheries Director Zainudin b Hj. Abd. Wahab said the survey made by the Fisheries Department found the area enclosed by the Red Tide was about three to four hectares, reports Daily Express.
Samples sent to the fisheries laboratory in Likas found that the Red Tide is of the Pyrodinium bahamense var. compressum kind with a very high concentration reaching 473,600 cells/liter and this is known as "Algae Bloom".
The level considered dangerous to humans is 5,000 cells/liter and will cause Paralytic Shellfish Poisoning (PSP), that can cause death.
The Department expects the Red Tide to last for about two weeks.
Chances are the red tide will be swept away towards Pulau Daat, Menumbok, Sipitang and Lawas, he told the newspaper.
The public should not eat any fish or shellfish from the affected area during this time due to the risk of contamination.
Daily Express notes that fish caught outside of the three nautical miles (kembong and basung), should have their gills removed and the fish washed well before cooking.
The department also noted that the "bubuk" shrimp season had started in waters adjacent to Tanjung Kubung up to UMS.
It is recommended that fishermen do not take and consume them because of fears of being contaminated by the Red Tide, he said.
