Fishing is no longer permitted at Tasik Pandan Perdana in Pandan Perdana, Selangor, in response to calls from the community to stop angling at the neighbourhood lake.
Ampang Jaya Municipal Council (MPAJ) said it arrived at the decision to disallow fishing activities there because some anglers neglected to keep the lake and its surroundings clean.
MPAJ Youth and Community Department director Khairilazhar Ismail said anglers had the habit of discarding rubbish along the banks or throwing rubbish into the lake.
“They also throw leftover bait into the water, which is damaging to the ecosystem,” he said, adding that the ban took effect on Nov 1.
Khairilazhar said MPAJ would take action against those who defy the ruling.
“Signboards have been placed around the area to inform the public, and MPAJ is patrolling the area to ensure compliance,” he said.
Under MPAJ’s Parks Bylaw 2005, offenders risk having their equipment seized.
Additionally, they could face a fine of up to RM2,000, imprisonment of up to one year, or both.
Khairilazhar said that while fishing was initially encouraged to attract visitors, banning it would ultimately increase the area’s appeal.
“The water and surrounding area are noticeably cleaner now, and visitors can even spot aquatic life more clearly,” he said.
Tasik Pandan Perdana underwent significant upgrades spearheaded by MPAJ early last year.
Improvements included repaving the jogging track, constructing a public toilet and adding two viewing decks beside the lake.
Over RM500,000 was allocated for these works, which also included installing a 3D signboard, upgrading playground equipment and enhancing lighting at the park and carpark.
MPAJ area councillor R. Moganraj said he had proposed that only official fishing programmes be allowed at the lake.
“This way we can still promote tourism activities and protect the water body.
“The fishing ban had to be introduced due to lack of cleanliness. It was getting bad.
“We found that some anglers would use chicken innards or other meat as bait, which left a foul smell,” he said.
Moganraj said most of the former anglers had complied with the new ruling.
“There are still several who are resistant, but enforcement is continuously being carried out.”
Regular parkgoer Siti Nurbaiyah Mohd Halim, 65, said the fishing ban was a welcome change.
“Anglers used to sit by the lake all day, leaving little space for others. Large groups could also get quite noisy,” she said.
