IPOH: A total of 9.4 tonnes of foreign fish species have been removed from Perak’s rivers, lakes and mining pools this year as the state ramps up efforts to protect its freshwater ecosystems from invasive species, says a state exco member.
Rural development, plantation, agriculture and food indusry committee chairman Datuk Mohd Zolkafly Harun (pic) said the haul – comprising suckermouth catfish, redtail catfish and Chao Phraya catfish – was collected through three rounds of state-organised events.
These events attracted a total of 106 participants, including inland fishermen and local communities, he added.
"The operations were carried out at Taman Dr Seenivasagam, Kampung Sungai Galah, and Dataran Victoria.
"The aggressive removal exercise is part of the state government’s broader plan to achieve 'alien fish-free' status within five years," he told Mohamad Yusri Bakir (BN-Ayer Kuning) in a state assembly here on Tuesday (Nov 25).
Yusri had asked about the presence of invasive fish species in Perak’s rivers, lakes and mining pools, especially in his constituency.
He wanted to know the monitoring and enforcement measures taken, if the government has conducted studies or collaborated with research institutions to assess their impact on native fish, and long-term plans to raise public and angler awareness to prevent the release of foreign fish.
Zolkafly said that monitoring and enforcement activities are being stepped up to help the state achieve its target of being free of invasive species by 2030.
"The state is also finalising new regulations for inland aquaculture to ensure that operators manage foreign species responsibly and prevent accidental escapes into natural ecosystems.
"In addition, a scientific study involving several universities will assess the ecological impact of invasive species and their effect on inland fishermen’s income.
"Public awareness efforts, including catch-and-release campaigns for native species and environmental education programmes, are being carried out with angler groups and NGOs to discourage the release of foreign fish into rivers and lakes," he added.
He said the state government remains committed to safeguarding Perak’s biodiversity through a combination of enforcement, research and community participation.
