The man who earned the trust of Sungai Koh’s wild mahseer

In Sungai Koh, a largely unmolested river, a man named Azman Mustapha has earned the trust of hundreds of thousands of wild mahseer, known locally as ikan kelah. Near Batu Mengkebang, years of patient feeding have transformed the fish from shy, elusive creatures to familiar, sun-seeking visitors.

Over nearly a decade, Azman, now 53, built up his rapport with the mahseer by tossing them rice from the banks. At first, the fish fled upon his approach, sensitive to sound and movement as they are. Yet, Azman persevered, returning daily and feeding them at regular intervals. As the years passed, more and more fish began to associate him with food, eventually assembling in large numbers at feeding time.

These days, Azman feeds the mahseer three to four times a day, encouraging them to remain in this section of the river. The visitors who come to watch the sight are captivated by the normally elusive fish, glistening in the clear water as they gather near the surface.

In 2023, Azman established the FMC Kelah Eco Park, a conservation-focused ecotourism site covering nearly 3km of Sungai Koh. The park protects the river's natural ecosystem, rather than exploiting it, as mahseer are highly prized as food fish. Azman ensures the wild fish remain undisturbed by setting up separate breeding ponds using broodstock from external suppliers.

For Azman, the wild fish's health depends on the river's cleanliness. Protecting the surrounding forest from unchecked development is crucial to maintaining the river's quality and the mahseer's thriving ecosystem. The park's success also highlights the potential for conservation to support rural development through nature-based tourism, benefiting local communities.

However, Azman emphasizes that any growth must maintain the river's pristine condition. Better infrastructure, while helpful, cannot come at the expense of the river itself, as the fish and the park's future would disappear with it.