By Norrasyidah Arshad
SUBANG JAYA, Dec 15 — Over five tonnes of alien fish have been successfully landed within four days of the second series of the suckermouth catfish (pleco) catching programme along a five-kilometre stretch of one of Sungai Kuyoh’s tributaries near Seri Kembangan.
Invasive Fish Hunting Squad founder Mohd Haziq A Rahman said the total catch has surpassed half of the 10-tonne overall target, thanks to favourable weather conditions compared to the first series held in September.
He said the increase in catches is also attributed to participants' strategy of fishing in groups, which resulted in higher yields.
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Invasive Fish Hunting Squad founder Mohd Haziq A Rahman speaking to Media Selangor during the pleco-catching initative collecting the fishes at a Sungai Kuyoh tributary in Seri Kembangan, on December 15, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
“Yesterday alone, nearly 1.3 tonnes of pleco fish were landed. Last week, over three tonnes were caught, and today we expect more than one tonne. The good weather has greatly facilitated the fishing process.
“All the fish will be sent to the state government’s hub in Section 33, Shah Alam, to be processed into fertiliser. We are confident of achieving the target since there are still two weeks left before the programme concludes,” Haziq told SelangorKini.
He added that throughout January next year, his team plans to conduct a series of tours to catch the invasive species in several identified locations known to be primary habitats of the predator fish.
So far, several locations have been identified as suitable stations, including Sungai Damansara, Sungai Hulu Langat in Batu 11, and Sungai Klang in areas covering Puchong and Kota Kemuning.
“This is based on our surveys. We select locations that are safe and free from dangerous animals like crocodiles to ensure participants’ safety.
“We encourage the public to join this programme and welcome their suggestions if they know of suitable locations,” Haziq said.
The second series of the invasive fish-catching programme continues throughout this month, offering an incentive of RM1 for every kg caught on Saturdays and Sundays.
The first series, held at the National River Trail in Sungai Langat, aimed to preserve Malaysia’s local fish species and rehabilitate rivers.
That inaugural programme successfully landed 4,467 kg of pleco fish, with participation from over 100 members of the public across the state.
In addition to being predators, pleco fish can cause riverbank and dam collapses due to their ability to burrow holes for nesting.
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Participants of the pleco-catching initative collecting the fishes at a Sungai Kuyoh tributary in Seri Kembangan, on December 15, 2024. — Picture by NUR ADIBAH AHMAD IZAM/SELANGORKINI[/caption]
