KUALA LUMPUR: More than 1,800kg of invasive fish were hauled from Ampang Hilir Lake Park here by 150 anglers in efforts to curb the rapid spread of non-native species in local waters.
Agriculture and Food Security Ministry secretary-general Datuk Seri Isham Ishak said invasive fish have become a growing threat to the country's aquatic ecosystems with the species accounting for 95% of the fish population at the 16ha lake.
He urged the public not to dump unwanted ornamental fish into lakes, rivers and dams, especially plecos, commonly known as ikan bandaraya, as it could damage local ecosystems.
"We also urge ornamental fish dealers to refrain from selling invasive fish to the public. We may impose a total ban on certain species that pose a threat to our waters," he said at the invasive fish hunting programme at the lake park on Saturday (Oct 17).
Isham said the pleco accounted for 83% of recorded invasive fish landings nationwide, followed by ikan raja, or peacock bass, at 13.8%.
Isham said 37 invasive fish hunting programmes had been held to date this year, with the number expected to exceed 40 by year-end.
Fisheries Department deputy director-general (development) Datuk Azahari Othman said the 150 anglers who took part in the four-hour programme expelled over 2,000 invasive fish of various species.
He said 32,500 native fish fry and 11 adult fish were also released into the lake.
Between 2021 and 2025, the Fisheries Department had released 58.6 million fish and prawn fry to replenish native fish populations and restore affected aquatic ecosystems.
Perak recorded the highest cases of foreign fish intrusions at 50.3%, followed by Negri Sembilan (16.5%) and Selangor (13.3%).
