Latest news with #RazaliSaad
Barnama
13 hours ago
- General
- Barnama
40,000 Catfish Fish Fry Released In Timah Tasoh To Boost Recreational Fishing In Perlis
PADANG BESAR, June 26 (Bernama) -- A total of 40,000 baung (catfish) fish fry were released into the Timah Tasoh Freshwater Fish Sanctuary near here today, as part of ongoing initiatives to strengthen the recreational fishing sector and ensure sustainable resources in Perlis. Perlis Agriculture, Plantation and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad said that apart from preserving local fishery resources, it is to add economic value for residents through recreational activities such as net-fishing and angling. "This initiative can become an attraction for anglers and outsiders who come here. Recreational activities can also boost income for the surrounding communities," he said at the fish fry release programme today. The initiative was officiated by Perlis Menteri Besar Mohd Shukri Ramli and also attended by Perlis Fisheries director Mohammed Roshaizat Mustaffa. Meanwhile, Razali said the state thanked the federal government for providing an additional allocation of RM2 million, bringing the total allocation to RM5.8 million for this year for the benefit of the agriculture sector in Perlis. Meanwhile, Roshaizat said the release of the baung fry maintains the native fish population in the area as well as rebalancing the ecosystem affected by the presence of invasive fish species. 'Among the invasive fish species identified as disrupting the ecosystem are peacock bass and humpback (bongkok) fish. These fish reproduce quickly and consume the eggs of local fish, negatively impacting the population of native fish such as baung, temperas and patong. 'We have also carried out awareness programmes with the community and university students to catch these invasive fishes, but the impact is still being monitored as the reproduction rate of these fishes is very fast,' he said. He also reminded the public not to arbitrarily release any fish species into rivers or lakes without permission from the Fisheries Department, as legal action could be taken according to the Perlis River Fisheries Rules in Perlis.
New Straits Times
16 hours ago
- General
- New Straits Times
Invasive fish threaten Tasik Timah Tasoh ecosystem, Perlis warns
PADANG BESAR: The Perlis government has raised the alarm over invasive fish species in Tasik Timah Tasoh, warning that their unchecked spread could severely disrupt the lake's native ecosystem if not urgently addressed. The lake in Beseri is now under ecological pressure due to the rising numbers of aggressive non-native species such as peacock bass. State Agriculture, Plantation Industries and Consumer Affairs Committee chairman Razali Saad said both the state government and the Fisheries Department believe these invasive fish are disrupting the lake's delicate natural balance. "These species compete with native fish for food and territory. Their feeding behaviour is more aggressive, often pushing out local species and disturbing their habitat," he told reporters today. Razali said the Fisheries Department has observed that these invasive fish prey on eggs, larvae and small native fish, leading to a sharp decline in native populations. "This not only disrupts the natural food chain, but can also lead to the extinction of some native species," he added. Razali said the state and the Fisheries Department are actively conducting awareness programmes to educate locals about the dangers of releasing non-native fish into the lake, a practice that could hurt both the ecosystem and the incomes of freshwater fishermen. "These invasive species also have little market value. To control their numbers, the Fisheries Department has organised catch-and-remove competitions targeting peacock bass, involving locals and students from higher education institutions. "According to department data, there are an estimated 10,000 peacock bass in the lake, and they reproduce rapidly. That's why we're working closely with the local fishing community to find practical solutions to reduce their numbers," he said. He also urged the public to seek advice from the Fisheries Department before releasing any fish into public waters such as Tasik Timah Tasoh. "Those caught releasing invasive fish species into public waters can be fined up to RM20,000," he said.
