PUTRAJAYA: The Fisheries Department has confirmed that public waters in Peninsular Malaysia remain safe and free from Koi Herpesvirus (KHV), despite reported cases in parts of Sabah.
Its director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said ongoing surveillance under the National Fish Health Surveillance Programme has detected no spread of KHV in rivers and lakes across the peninsula.
"Data also shows a decline in cases at private koi farms, from seven in 2022 to three last year, with all incidents fully contained and no spillover into public waters,” he said in a statement on Tuesday (April 7).
However, he said that the department will continue strengthening control measures, including conducting periodical inspections at least twice a year at farms breeding Cyprinidae species, which is the largest group of freshwater fish.
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"The department will also tighten import controls at national entry points in collaboration with the Malaysian Quarantine and Inspection Services Department (Maqis), while enhancing monitoring and rapid response readiness for any unusual incidents,” he said.
The Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry recently ordered the immediate capture and disposal of all non-endemic koi and Cyprinidae species from Tagal conservation areas and rivers.
Its minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the move followed confirmation that KHV, carried by the affected species, was the main cause of deaths among pelian (kelah) fish reported in several districts since Aug 1 last year.
Adnan described the situation in Sabah as a stark reminder that fish disease threats can arise at any time, stressing that strict biosecurity measures and full compliance with quarantine and farm management protocols are essential.
"With no treatment or vaccine available for KHV, the immediate culling of infected fish remains the most effective way to break the chain of infection and prevent wider spread,” he said.
He also warned that releasing diseased fish or discharging contaminated water into public drainage systems is irresponsible and could severely impact native species such as kelah and lampam, as well as disrupt aquatic ecosystems.
Operators and the public are urged to promptly report any unusual fish deaths to the nearest Fisheries office. – Bernama
