This paper reviews the trend and possible contributing factors that cause the incidence of foodborne illnesses as it is the major concern of food safety issues in Malaysia. Surveillance and monitoring done by the enforcement authorities have improved the food safety as the percentage of contravened samples and food premises closures have been decreased. Some factors that contribute to the emergence of the foodborne pathogens are cross contamination of foods and food handlers, eating behaviour and technology, globalisation, antimicrobial resistance bacteria and climate change. Main problems that contribute to the high rates of foodborne illnesses are poor practices of food handlers and lack of public awareness. Various interventions have been initiated by the Food Safety and Quality Division, Ministry of Health (MoH) to improve national food safety system through food handlers training programme, the establishment of Food Safety Information System of Malaysia (FOSIM) and Malaysia Foodborne Disease Network (MyFoodNet) as parts of strengthening the surveillance system and improving the effective enforcement of legislation and regulations. Continous collaboration between government and private sectors are crucial for a sustainable improvement for a better health of the nation. � 2017, Malaysian Society of Applied Biology. All rights reserved.

A total of 32 lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated from 13 honey samples commercially marketed in Malaysia, 6 strains identified as Lactobacillus acidophilus by API CHL50. The isolates had antibacterial activities against multiple antibiotic resistant's Staphylococcus aureus (25 to 32 mm), Staphylococcus epidermis (14 to 22 mm) and Bacillus subtilis (12 to 19 mm) in the agar overlay method after 24 h incubation at 30 °C. The crude supernatant was heat stable at 90 °C and 121 °C for 1 h. Treatment with proteinase K and RNase II maintained the antimicrobial activity of all the supernatants except sample H006-A and H010-G. All the supernatants showed antimicrobial activities against target bacteria at pH 3 and pH 5 but not at pH 6 within 72 h incubation at 30 °C. S. aureus was not inhibited by sample H006-A isolated from Libyan honey and sample H008-D isolated from Malaysian honey at pH 5, compared to supernatants from other L. acidophilus isolates. The presence of different strains of L. acidophilus in honey obtained from different sources may contribute to the differences in the antimicrobial properties of honey.

Sclerotium rolfsii is one of the most destructive soil-borne pathogen of chili plant (Capsicum annum) causing damping-off, stem rot, root rot, southern blight and wilt diseases. Severely infected chili plant diseases could reduce the quality and quantity of chili produce resulting in economic loss. Lactic Acid Bacteria (LAB) are reported to have antifungal activity. However, very little information is known on antifungal activity against S. rolfsii. Hence, the objectives of this study were to identify the LAB species isolated from fermented catfish and to determine antifungal activities of the isolated LAB against S. rolfsii. Identification of LAB from fermented catfish was done by API 50 CHL and 16S rRNA gene sequencing. The identified isolates were Lactobacillus plantarum with different strains name such as JCM 1149, WCFS1 strain WCFS1 and strain NRRL B-14678. In this study, nine cultures of Cell Free Supernatant (CFS-LAB) were tested for antifungal activity on Potato Dextrose Agar (PDA). Results showed that four of Lb. plantarum strains from fermented catfish showed greater inhibitory activity (60% to 64.7%) against S. rolfsii after incubation at 28�C for three days compared with the control treatment (S. rolfsii growth in PDA without CFS-LAB). Active compound present in the crude supernatant was partially purified using ammonium sulphate precipitation method were tested at different temperatures, pH and enzymes. The proteins of LAB bacteriocins were analysed by electrophoresis and band of interest were identified by Mass Spectrometry (LC-MS/MS) based on peptide sequencing. Findings of study confirmed that the antifungal activity of Lb. plantarum was chitin-binding protein and was effectively acted as biocontrol agent against fungal infection in chili plant. � 2018, Malaysian Society of Applied Biology. All rights reserved.

The role of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) in honey as antifungal activity has received little attention and their mechanism of inhibitory of fungi is not fully understood. In this study, LAB were isolated from honey samples from Malaysia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Twenty-five isolates were confirmed LAB by catalase test and Gram staining, and were screened for antifungal activity. Four LAB showed inhibitory activity against Candida spp. using the dual agar overlay method. And they were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum HS isolated from Al-Seder honey, Lactobacillus curvatus HH isolated from Al-Hanon honey, Pediococcus acidilactici HC isolated from Tualang honey and Pediococcus pentosaceus HM isolated from Al-Maray honey by the 16S rDNA sequence. The growth of Candida glabrata ATCC 2001 was strongly inhibited (> 15.0 mm) and (10~15 mm) by the isolates of L. curvatus HH and P. pentosaceus HM, respectively. The antifungal activity of the crude supernatant (cell free supernatant, CFS) was evaluated using well diffusion method. The CFS showed high antifungal activity against Candida spp. especially The CFS of L. curvatus HH was significantly (p < 0.05) inhibited growth of C. glabrata ATCC 2001, C. parapsilosis ATCC 2201, and C. tropicalis ATCC 750 with inhibitory zone 22.0, 15.6, and 14.7 mm, respectively. While CFS of P. pentosaceus HM was significantly (p < 0.05) effective against C. krusei, C. glabrata, and C. albicans with inhibition zone 17.2, 16.0, and 13.3 mm, respectively. The results indicated that LAB isolated from honey produced compounds which can be used to inhibit the growth of the pathogenic Candida species. � The Korean Society of Mycology.

Physico-chemical properties of water are usually reflecting the functioning of an aquatic ecosystem like Setiu Wetland, Terengganu. Therefore, this study was conducted to determine the physico-chemical properties and chemical nature of their water resources (trench, rivers, drainage and tap water) and their impact on sustainable water resource in Setiu Wetland, Terengganu. A total of 12 water samples were collected aseptically from in this area and the field work was conducted from August to September 2015. In-situ measurements of physico-chemical properties of the water samples were recorded using YSI Professional Plus Parameter (XYLEM, USA) with multi-sensor probe. The analyses of physico-chemical of water include of water temperature, barometric pressure, dissolved oxygen, specific conductance, conductance, redox potential, total suspended solids, salinity and pH. In comparison to previous study conducted in 2008, most of the parameters showed that water quality at Setiu Wetland, Terengganu remained Class 1 based on National Water Quality Standards for Malaysia. In conclusion, the various water resources in Setiu Wetland was in very good condition indicating that the habitats in Setiu Wetlands have conditions suitable to support a biotic community. Further study should be carried out in monitoring water qualities of the water resources at Malaysia to increase safety of water consumption. � Springer Nature Switzerland AG 2019.

Aims: The objectives of this study were to evaluate the inhibitory activity of the cell-free supernatants (CFS) of lactic acid bacteria (LAB) isolates and determine the effect of pH, enzymes and heat treatment on the antifungal activity against Candida species. Methodology and results: A total of 25 strains of LAB were isolated from honey samples from Malaysia, Libya, Saudi Arabia, and Yemen. Four from twenty-five LAB isolates showed antifungal activity against Candida spp. and were identified as Lactobacillus plantarum (HS), L. curvatus (HH), Pediococcus acid lactic (HC), and P. pentosaceus (HM) using 16S rDNA sequence. The CFS of these isolates were evaluated for their antifungal activity using microtiter plate assay. The antifungal activity showed significant inhibitory activity against all Candida spp. especially growth of C. glabrata ATCC 2001 was significant (p < 0.001) completely inhibited by CFS of HH and HM at pH 3. Similarly, growth of C. glabrata ATCC2001 was significantly inhibited (p < 0.001) when treated with previously heated CFS of L. curvatus HH and P. pentosaceus HM at 90 �C and 121 �C. While, the growth of C. krusei ATCC 6258 was completely inhibited by CFS of L. curvatus HH at 121 �C. Treatment the CFS of LAB isolates with proteinase K and RNase II increased the antifungal activity against C. krusei and C. glabrata, whereas the activity of CFS produced by P. acidilactici was lost when treated with RNase II, especially against C. krusei. Conclusion, significance and impact of study: This study demonstrated that treated supernatant of LAB isolates with heating, adjusted pH and enzymes can be used to inhibit the growth of pathogenic Candida spp.

Colletotrichum capsici are ubiquitous fungal pathogens that cause anthracnose disease of chilli plant. Although chemical fungicide can be used to manage the disease, excessive use of the fungicide can lead to development of fungicide resistant as well as human health concern. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are Gram positive, mostly anaerobic, non-sporulating and acid-tolerant bacteria, which produce antifungal compounds. Many LAB strains have been isolated from fermented foods, fresh fruits and vegetables, but very limited study was done on antifungal potential of LAB isolated from agricultural soils. The objectives of this study were to isolate and identify LAB from sandy clay loam soil and sandy loam soil in Terengganu and to perform in vitro evaluation of their antifungal activities against C. capsici. Results showed that 7 out of 40 presumptive LAB cultures isolated from both soils collected from rice fields and roselle cultivation areas using cultural method (M17 agar and Tomato juice agar) under aerobic and anaerobic conditions were identified as Lactococcus lactis subspecies lactis using 16S rDNA gene sequencing. All the seven strains of Lc. lactis subsp. lactis exhibited antifungal activities against C. capsici with minimum inhibition concentrations at 10% (v/v) and inhibition zones which ranged from 6.03 mm to 6.30 mm while mancozeb which act as positive control exhibited antifungal activities as low as 1% (w/v) and inhibition zones which ranged between 12.00 mm to 22.00 mm. These results show an important step in order to control fungal growth in chilli by approaching biological control in chilli cultivation area. � 2018, Malaysian Society of Applied Biology. All rights reserved.

Keropok lekor is a popular Terengganu heritage traditional snack and its microbiological safety is one of the important aspects should be of concern. Thus, the present study was carried out to assess microbiological status of keropok lekor, and its production premises in Kuala Terengganu and Marang. A total of 136 samples were collected randomly from eight premises (in three replicates) comprising of raw materials, food contact surfaces and ready to eat (RTE). All samples were analysed for aerobic plate count (APC), total coliforms (TC) count, Escherichia coli and detection of foodborne pathogens. Results showed that the APC and TC count in raw materials (fish flesh, sago starch, ice, dough and chilli paste) ranged from below the detection limit (> 1.0 log10 CFU/g) to 6.7 log10 CFU/g and 4.6 log10 CFU/g, respectively. While, food contact surfaces have the APC and TC in the range of > 1.0 to 6.4 log10 CFU/cm2 and > 1.0 to 4.1 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively. The food handlers hand swabs had APC and TC counts between 2.2 to 6.4 log10 CFU/cm2 and > 1.0 to 4.4 log10 CFU/cm2, respectively. RTE keropok lekor and dipping sauce contained APC in 1.8 to 5.5 log10 CFU/g and > 1.0 to 5.1 log10 CFU/g range, respectively. TC was detected as unsatisfactory level (< 1.7 lo g10 CFU/g) in three keropok lekor samples. E. coli was found in 10.29% of samples and all of them were non-diarrheagenic serotypes. Two RTE keropok lekor and display containers were contaminated with E. coli. Coagulase positive staphylococci, Salmonella and Vibrio parahaemolyticus were detected in four, two and one samples, respectively, with none of them found to have Vibrio cholerae and Listeria monocytogenes. High prevalence of indicator organisms in food contact surfaces and food handlers hand indicated that hygiene practices were not well implemented. The unsatisfactory levels of presence of APC, TC and E. coli in RTE keropok lekor also described cross contamination due to inadequate hygiene practices after cooking process. � 2019 Asian Journal of Agriculture and Biology.

‘Keropok lekor’ is a popular street food and widely available in Terengganu. However, there is limited study on the microbiological status of sources of contamination from ‘keropok lekor’ premises in Terengganu. Microbiological quality of raw materials and food contact surfaces were determined by Total Plate Count, coliform count, Staphylococcus spp. and Vibrio spp. count. The presumptive of Escherichia coli, Staphylococcus aureus and Vibrio spp. were further identified by phenotypic identification such as IMViC tests and API20 NE identification system. The antibiotic resistance of the identified bacteria was determined using disc diffusion method. Escherichia coli and Vibrio were predominant microorganisms isolated from raw materials, whereas Staphylococcus was the predominant microorganism on food contact surfaces. The boiling process of ‘keropok lekor’ at 100°C was significantly (p < 0.05) reduced the Total Plate Counts, coliform, Staphylococcus spp. and Vibrio spp. count for safe consumption. The identified antibiotic resistance of E. coli, S. aureus and Vibrio spp. showed that the bacteria were within controllable emergence strains, whereby the present antibiotics used are able to suppress the growth. Regular monitoring programme is essential to further improve the microbiological quality of raw materials and food contact surfaces.

The Meliponini honey is one type of stingless bee honey. Although honey has been widely used as a natural remedy, understanding on how storage affect the microbiological quality and pH in stingless honey is still scarce. This study was carried out to determine the microbial quality of honey produced by stingless bees, Heterotrigona itama and Geniotrigona thoracica during ambient storage for 6 weeks. The changes in microbiological analysis was determined for Aerobic Plate Count (APC), yeast count and Bacillus count. Lactic acid bacteria (LAB) were isolated using three types of media, namely, MRS agar, MRS agar with 0.8% CaCO3 and MRS agar with 1% glucose. Detection of Clostridium was done using anaerobic egg-yolk agar and cook meat medium. Results showed that Aerobic Plate Count ranged between 102 to 105 CFU/g for both samples. However, yeast count showed the range between 102 to 106 CFU/g, which higher than APC. Both honey samples showed low in Bacillus count. The LAB counts on three media were significantly higher for the first month of storage, then decreased gradually after fifth week. Storage of honey had reduced the pH in both honey samples to pH 2. Clostridium was not detected in all samples. � 2017, Malaysian Society of Applied Biology. All rights reserved.

The microbiological quality of thirty ready-to-eat (RTE) keropok lekor (a sausage shape Malaysian fish product) was evaluated in comparison to microbiological guidelines for ready to eat foods. The two E. coli isolates were subjected to DNA sequencing, identified and tested for their resistance towards fifteen different antibiotics. The survival and growth of the isolated E. coli strains inoculated in keropok lekor at atmospheric air and vacuum packaging were also evaluated. Results revealed that four samples (13.33%) contained Enterobacteriaceae counts that exceeded the recommended allowable counts of 4.0 log10 CFU/g. Unsatisfactory level of coliforms (> 1.7 log10 CFU/g) was also observed in ten of the samples; two of which contained E. coli (2.1 ± 0.17 and 3.7 ± 0.02 log10 CFU/g), suggesting of poor hygiene and sanitation practices. While the ‘Possible E10’ E. coli strain was observably resistant towards Nalidixic acid (30µg) alone, B10 E. coli isolate was worryingly resistant towards Ampicillin (10µg), Ceftazidime (30µg), Ciprofloxacin (5µg), Ceftriaxone (30µg), Nalidixic acid (30µg) and Tetracycline (30µg). This study also revealed that the growth and survival of the ‘Possible E10’ and B10 E. coli strains were not significantly affected by vacuum packaging when stored at both 4°C and 28°C. Therefore, intervention programmes to alert and educate small-medium enterprisers (SMEs) of keropok lekor producers on food safety as well as potential health risks that can be associated due to inappropriate handling procedures of such product, merits consideration. © 2020, Malaysian Society for Parasitology. All rights reserved.