Kuala lumpur: Cooperation between the government, non-governmental organisations (NGOs), and local communities is being leveraged to address the spread of invasive fish species in Malaysia, as the Dewan Rakyat was informed today. Minister of Agriculture and Food Security Datuk Seri Mohamad Sabu highlighted efforts such as utilizing catches of invasive species like the suckermouth catfish for fertiliser or fish feed.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Mohamad outlined ongoing joint initiatives targeting rivers overrun by invasive species, including locations like Sungai Klang. NGOs, with the ministry's support, are actively catching these foreign fish, exploring their use as fertiliser. Although no official certification has been issued yet, these private initiatives are encouraged by the government, which is also considering advanced monitoring technologies to better manage the issue.
Mohamad addressed concerns from Datuk Adnan Abu Hassan (BN-Kuala Pilah) regarding the expansion of smart monitoring technologies. He acknowledged that the dominance of suckermouth catfish near urban rivers threatens biodiversity and the livelihood of communities dependent on river resources. He shared his own experiences, noting the prevalence of these invasive species in his fishing activities near KLIA.
Responding to a question from Datuk Dr Alias Razak (PN-Kuala Nerus) on controlling invasive fish breeding, Mohamad shared that containment efforts have bolstered national inland fisheries landings, with an increase noted from 2023 to 2024. He elaborated on the Department of Fisheries Malaysia's culling programmes, which have successfully removed significant quantities of foreign fish with NGO and community support. Legal measures are also in progress to restrict the release of foreign fish, with potential fines reaching RM20,000.
Additionally, Mohamad addressed measures to protect endangered marine species like dugongs, mentioning the drafting of fisheries regulations under the Fisheries Act 1985. These regulations aim to manage tourism activities and designate protected zones, potentially expanding protected waters by 1,508 square kilometers. Engagement sessions with fishing communities have been conducted to ensure compliance and promote awareness.
Mohamad assured that the Department of Fisheries Malaysia, in collaboration with enforcement agencies, is conducting monitoring and enforcing controls in dugong habitats. Measures include installing marker buoys and running awareness programmes for local communities and tourism operators, in response to questions from Muhammad Islahuddin Abas (PN-Mersing) on safeguarding endangered marine species in Mersing waters.