THE public are reminded not to dump rubbish or release non- native species into the Prangin Canal, because such actions risk clogging the water filtration system and harming the site’s aesthetics.
PDC Setia Urus Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Loi Kai Horng said the 220m-long canal at Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park was originally designed exclusively for koi (coloured variety of carp) but members of the public have introduced other species there, including tilapia and turtles.
Hundreds of fish, predominantly tilapia, were removed from the canal during an ongoing deep-cleaning exercise scheduled for completion by the end of the month.
“The routine maintenance is done once in two years; the last one was carried out in 2024.
“The deep cleaning work involved draining the canal, removing rubbish and sludge, and using high-pressure water jets to clean its walls and floor,” said Loi.
The filtration system is being thoroughly cleaned before the canal is sanitised and refilled with fresh water.
During the cleaning, the koi are temporarily kept in a pond belonging to the contractor.
Once the cleaning is completed, about 100 koi will be returned to the canal to breed naturally, but the contractor will replenish their numbers if necessary.
Loi said there were no plans currently to introduce local fish species into the canal.
He said the large number of tilapia introduced by the public had caused the filtration system to clog faster, adding to the maintenance burden.
“Although maintenance staff regularly remove leaves and rubbish from the water surface, draining the canal is necessary to clear debris and sediment that accumulate at the bottom.”
He urged visitors to help keep the canal clean by refraining from throwing rubbish into the water, releasing unwanted fish or feeding the koi.
Six signboards were installed in 2023 to remind visitors against such practices.
Loi said the koi could survive naturally by feeding on algae growing on the canal walls and would not require food from visitors.
Security personnel conduct hourly patrols of the public space, which remains open round the clock, to monitor activities at the site.
Loi said the Sia Boey Archaeological Park would be handed over to Penang Island City Council (MBPP) on Jan 1, next year.
The land originally belonged to MBPP before the Penang Development Corporation (PDC) and PDC Setia Urus took over its maintenance.
The current works aim to ensure the facility is in good condition for the public before the handover.
