GOVT, NGOS, LOCAL COMMUNITIES TEAM UP TO TACKLE INVASIVE FISH SPECIES – MOHAMAD

KUALA LUMPUR, Nov 25 (Bernama) -- Cooperation between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs) and local communities can help curb the spread of invasive foreign fish species, including making use of catches such as the '’ikan bandaraya'’ (suckermouth catfish) for fertiliser or feed for other fish, the Dewan Rakyat was told today.

Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu said such joint initiatives are being carried out in rivers where invasive species dominate, including Sungai Klang and several other locations affected by the influx of foreign fish.

“NGOs have been working with assistance from the ministry to catch these foreign fish. Some have tried producing fertiliser and so on. Although we have not issued any special certification yet, their private initiatives — if they can be used as fish feed or fertiliser — are very much welcomed.

“As for monitoring using drones and the like, this will be monitored and pursued. The government views this matter seriously because it (proliferation of invasive fish) can reduce the activities of those who earn a living from the rivers,” he said during Question Time.

He was responding to a supplementary question from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) on the government’s plans to expand the use of smart monitoring technologies such as drones, hydrology sensors and digital mapping to more accurately detect the distribution of invasive fish species.

Mohamad said the dominance of ikan bandaraya in rivers, especially near urban areas, also affects biodiversity sustainability and the activities of communities that depend on river resources.

“I often cast nets in rivers near KLIA. I throw the net several times, and it’s always ikan bandaraya that get caught. Other fish have almost disappeared,” he said, adding that control efforts are being carried out continuously.

Responding to the original question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) on the effectiveness of measures to control invasive fish breeding, Mohamad said ongoing containment efforts have contributed to an increase in national inland fisheries landings.

He said that in 2024, the inland fisheries sector recorded landings of 9,653 metric tons worth RM191 million compared with 9,434 metric tons in 2023, representing an increase of 219 metric tons or 2.3 per cent from the previous year.

“The Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security, through the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, has conducted 31 series of culling programmes since 2022, successfully removing 8.8 metric tons of foreign fish with the cooperation of NGOs and local communities.

“From a legal standpoint, the department together with state governments is updating the Fisheries (Riverine) Rules to include a ban on releasing foreign fish, with fines of up to RM20,000,” he said.

In response to another question, Mohamad said that to protect endangered marine species such as dugongs, the government is drafting fisheries regulations under Section 45 of the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) to detail management procedures for controlling tourism activities and designating restricted zones to prevent conflicts in the use of areas. 

He said the gazettement is expected to increase the size of protected waters by 1,508 square kilometres, or about 0.28 per cent of national waters, and so far three engagement sessions have been held from 2023 to 2024 with fishing communities.

“The Department of Fisheries Malaysia has carried out periodic monitoring and joint enforcement patrols with the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency and the Marine Department, controlling tourism activities and boat movement in dugong habitats.

“In addition, marker buoys have been installed around dugong habitat zones to alert tourism operators and local communities, along with public awareness programmes and training for fisherfolk and local tourism operators to foster understanding of the importance of protecting dugongs,” he said.

He was replying to Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing), who asked about the government’s immediate and long-term measures to protect endangered marine species such as dugongs in Mersing waters, including controls on tourist boat routes, enforcement of marine protection zones and cooperation with tourism operators.

-- BERNAMA