IPOH: Dead fish found floating in the Kinta River recently are believed to have been dumped by an irresponsible party, according to the Perak government.
The state environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim said that investigations carried out by the Fisheries Department in collaboration with the Environment Department (JAS) confirmed that the river’s water quality remained good and the fish were likely not river-bred.
“The dead fish were not native to the river. They were identified as black tilapia and are believed to have been discarded into the river.
“So far, we have not been able to identify who is responsible for this irresponsible act," he told reporters after officiating the Foreign Fish Hunting Grand Prix Programme on Saturday (July 12).
Also present was Perak Fisheries Department director Mohd Ghazali A. Manap.
“I urge all parties, especially fish breeders, to dispose of dead fish properly by burying them instead of dumping them into rivers. It is a shared responsibility,” said Teh.
Teh reminded the fish breeders not to treat the river as a dumping ground, warning that discarded waste, especially dead fish, could have serious consequences.
“What is thrown into the river can affect all levels of society, particularly those living downstream.
"There is a risk of disease spreading and harming native fish species as well. That is why we acted quickly to remove the dead fish,” he said.
Recently, a video of dead fish floating in the Kinta River has been circulating on social media.
On a separate matter, Ghazali said the Perak Fisheries (River) Regulations 1992 and the Fisheries (Inland Fisheries Aquaculture) Regulations are currently in the final drafting stage for proposed amendments.
“It is now in the final review process and will be submitted for approval by the state executive council," he said.
He added that among the proposed amendments are the establishment of sanctuaries for kelah and arowana fish species and the licensing of fishing vessels and fishermen.
“This matter will be tabled depending on the review by the State Legal Adviser’s Office,” he added.
