Banggol Kapas: An interest in river fish, especially exotic ones, has helped a man turn his hobby into a side income that generates tens of thousands of ringgit. In a recent interview with Bernama, Mohd Elmie Fariesa Sazali, 37, shared that he can earn a substantial income, reaching up to RM10,000 a month, far exceeding his salary as a lorry driver.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, exotic fish such as the red mahseer and spotted mahseer from Terengganu are in high demand by ornamental and exotic fish collectors, with Mohd Elmie once selling these species for RM1,000 each. ‘Recently, I sold a spotted mahseer for RM1,000. There are indeed buyers willing to pay a high price because it is unique, for example, the fish’s head is round, or in market terms, we call it a deformed fish,’ he said when met by Bernama at his home in Banggol Kapas, which houses more than 500 river and exotic fish in several aquariums.

‘The red mahseer in Terengganu is more attractive than in other places as its colour is more intense and brighter, successfully attracting the interest of fish collectors,’ Mohd Elmie added. He also rears an albino catfish (ikan patin) but has no intention of selling it, even if he receives a high offer, because the fish was a gift from a friend.

The father of three stated that since starting his 10-year-old fish business, he has sold over 1,000 river and exotic fish. His customers include collectors and fish shop owners from Terengganu, Kuala Lumpur, and Negeri Sembilan who seek unique and exotic fish.

“Leading up to Hari Raya Aidilfitri, many will look for exotic fish to decorate their ponds or aquariums at home. Most customers find out about my business through social media like Facebook. Sometimes, I also sell fish live on TikTok. The response received has indeed been encouraging,” said Mohd Elmie, who provides a delivery service via post to customers outside Terengganu.

Mohd Elmie, who obtains his fish supplies from river fish hunters and acquaintances, is assisted by his wife Rosmaria Mas Hassan, 36, who helps feed and sell the fish if he has to work outside the area. However, he admitted facing challenges, including losses if fish sent by post die.

He also mentioned that fish purchased from river fishermen cannot be sold directly as they often require treatment first. “There are fish with severed tails, injured bodies due to being caught in nets, and faded colours due to river pollution. Therefore, I need to take two to three months to treat each fish using saltwater and clean them first until their condition improves before selling them,” he explained.

Mohd Elmie Fariesa intends to breed and sell more fish, aiming not only to increase his income but also to invigorate the world of ornamental and exotic fish breeding in the country.