The Government will work with fish farmers affected by one of the biggest mass fish deaths in recent years to improve the system and prevent future incidents, said Dr Maliki Osman, Minister of State for National Development and Defence, on Thursday afternoon.

He was speaking during visits to two of the affected fish farms off Changi.

In all, 34 farms in the eastern Johor Straits and five in the western Johor Straits lost some 160 tonnes of fish, bearing the brunt of losses over the past weekend.

The affected farms were also rearing fish that are more vulnerable to poor conditions, such as grouper, he added.

But fish in the market are safe to eat, Dr Maliki said.

Dr Maliki, who is also mayor for South East District, said the South East CDC would also help support the families of Singaporean farmers and workers affected by the incident.