DOF RAIDS SIX ORNAMENTAL FISH PREMISES, SEIZE INVASIVE SPECIES

KUALA LUMPUR, March 5 (Bernama) -- The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF), with the cooperation of the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), raided six ornamental fish premises in Jalan Pudu after detecting the sale of various prohibited fish species and operating without permits.

An integrated operation, involving 42 enforcement officers, was conducted from 10 am to 2 pm, and was also joined by the Wildlife Crime Bureau/Intelligence Special Investigation, PDRM; the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan); and the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL).

Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Fisheries director Suhanah Kassiron said that all six premises committed offences under the Fisheries (Inland Fisheries Aquaculture) Rules 2017 for the Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Labuan.

She said that 675 fish of various prohibited species worth RM35,674, including invasive species such as Arapaima, Sturgeon, Midas, Peacock bass, Cambaridae crayfish, Amazon Redtail Catfish, Pacu and Flowerhorn, were seized in the operation.

"We found that these prohibited fish can damage the ecosystem if released into public waters. So I advise the public not to own and not to release these fish into public waters," she said at a press conference after the operation here today.

Suhanah said that owners of premises who fail to comply with the regulations can be fined up to RM1,000 or imprisoned for up to a year, or both for each offence.

Meanwhile, Perhilitan National Wildlife Rescue Centre assistant director Celescoriano Razond said that 304 turtles and tortoises of various species, worth approximately RM300,000, were among those seized in the operation.

He said the seizure included high-value species such as the Pig-nosed Turtle and Albino Tortoise, with investigations being conducted under Section 117 of the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.

"There have been seizures of Pig-nosed Turtles (valued) that sell at a maximum (around) RM9,000 to RM10,000 each. If it's Albino Tortoise, it's around RM10,000," he said, adding that the seized animals were taken to the Selangor Fisheries Biosecurity Centre for further action.

-- BERNAMA