Stop dumping pet fish in lakes, govt warns as alien species wiping out natives in Ampang lake

KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 17 — The Agriculture and Food Security Ministry has warned against the practice of releasing pet fish into lakes, dams and public waterways, as alien species now make up 95 per cent of fish found in Tasik Ampang Hilir, threatening Malaysia's freshwater ecosystem's balance. Datuk Seri Isham Ishak, secretary-general of the ministry, emphasized the critical need for strengthened mitigation efforts through data-driven approaches, community education, and strategic cooperation among government bodies, private sector entities, and non-governmental organizations.

He cautioned that releasing unwanted pet fish could have detrimental effects on aquatic biodiversity and the survival of native species. "Without proper education, this issue could become entrenched, resulting in a long-term problem," Isham stated during the "Program Kelestarian Perikanan Darat: Mitigasi Memburu Ikan Asing" held at Tasik Ampang Hilir.

The alien fish capture initiative, running from 2022 to 2025, resulted in a total catch of 19.74 tonnes, underscoring the urgent need to tackle the proliferation of these invasive species. Isham outlined measures such as increasing efforts to capture alien fish, releasing local fish fry to restore fish population balance, and enhancing public education to discourage the release of pet fish into public waters.

The ministry is also reviewing regulations to potentially ban specific fish species deemed threats to local ecosystems. Agrobank contributed by releasing 1,400 native fish fry into the lake, comprising 1,100 baung and 300 lampam sungai, to aid in the conservation of native species. Records from the Malaysian Department of Fisheries indicate that 146 of the 154 fish species recorded in Tasik Ampang Hilir are alien, with only eight identified as native.

Ahmad Arif Abu Bakar, Agrobank's chief development officer, stressed the importance of public awareness and education on the significance of preserving Malaysia's biodiversity, stressing that individuals must take responsibility for safeguarding the ecosystem, such as refraining from releasing pet fish into rivers or lakes as they grow larger.

The initiative engaged approximately 250 participants from seven agencies and organizations, incorporating activities like capturing alien fish with seine nets, cast nets, fishing lines, and fish traps.