IPOH: Drastic action is needed to curb the release of foreign fish species into local rivers, says the founder of Skuad Pemburu Ikan Asing, a Selangor-based NGO.
Mohd Haziq A. Rahman said that invasive fish species were commonly found in areas such as the Klang Valley, Selangor and Perak.
“The effort taken by our team is that we go out almost daily to rivers across the Peninsula.
"We also work closely with related agencies and state governments to carry out foreign fish removal activities," he said in a press conference on Saturday (July 12).
As of July, the group has removed approximately 52 tonnes of foreign fish from local waterways, mostly ikan bandaraya, which is their area of focus.
“Of this total, 30 tonnes were caught in the Klang Valley, while the rest were from states like Perak, Selangor, Negri Sembilan, Johor, Melaka and Penang,” he said.
Haziq said their presence in Perak aims to raise public awareness over the critical situation, similar to Selangor and the Klang River, where foreign fish populations are high.
“We hope our presence here will encourage the Perak government to take proactive measures, as other states have done.
“In Selangor, for instance, the state government provides an incentive of RM1 for every 1kg of foreign fish caught. This has had a positive impact and we hope to see similar support in Perak, " he added.
Meanwhile, Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim urged the public to increase their awareness of the importance of protecting rivers from pollution and the uncontrolled release of foreign fish species.
He said any fish-releasing activities into public waters must be referred to the Perak State Fisheries Department.
“The state government takes the issue of river pollution and ecosystem disruption very seriously, especially when it comes from the irresponsible release of foreign fish species into rivers, lakes, ponds and former mining pools.
“Foreign species such as Redtail Catfish, Peacock Bass and ikan bandaraya can cause significant ecological damage. These species often alter the structure of riverbeds and pond banks and disrupt the natural habitat, " he said.
Teh added that these foreign fish also pose a threat to native species, which plays a role in maintaining local biodiversity.
“The presence of invasive species not only damages these sensitive ecosystems but also risks spreading diseases and could lead to the extinction of local fish populations.
“In the long term, this situation could negatively impact local economies, particularly those reliant on fisheries and eco-tourism,” he said.
He also reminded that the release of foreign or invasive fish species can lead to legal action under the Fisheries Act 1985 and its related regulations.
“Preserving our rivers requires the cooperation of all parties, from government agencies and NGOs to local communities and individuals.
"Every action we take today will determine the environmental legacy we leave for future generations,” he said.
