IPOH: Fish breeders must dispose of dead fish properly by burying them instead of dumping them into rivers, says Perak environment committee chairman Teh Kok Lim.
He reminded fish breeders not to treat rivers as dumping grounds, warning that discarded waste, especially dead fish, could have serious environmental consequences.
“There is a risk of disease spreading and harming native fish species. That is why we acted quickly to remove the dead fish,” he said when commenting on an online video of dead fish floating in the Kinta River.
He said an investigation by the Fisheries Department, in collaboration with the Environment Department, found that the river’s water quality remained good and the fish was likely not river-bred.
“The dead black tilapia is believed to have been dumped by an irresponsible party,” he told reporters after officiating the Foreign Fish Hunting Grand Prix Programme yesterday.
Also present was Perak Fisheries Department director Mohd Ghazali A. Manap.
Teh said any fish-releasing activities must first be referred to the Perak Fisheries Department.
“The state government takes river pollution and ecosystem disruption seriously, especially when it involves 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 (armoured catfish) can cause significant ecological damage.
“These species often alter riverbeds and pond banks and disrupt natural habitats.
“In the long term, this could negatively impact local economies, particularly those dependent on fisheries and eco-tourism,” he added.
Teh also reminded the public that releasing foreign or invasive fish species could result in legal action under the Fisheries Act 1985 and its related regulations.
“Every action we take today will determine the environmental legacy we leave for future generations,” he said.
