Kuala lumpur: Nine years ago, Azman Mustapha noticed a handful of wild mahseer fish swimming in the crystal clear waters of Sungai Koh, a remote river in Batu Mengkebang. As he tended to his orchard beside the river, he began feeding the fish leftover rice during his lunch breaks. Initially shy, the mahseer gradually became accustomed to Azman's presence, and their numbers have now swelled to what he estimates as hundreds of thousands.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, Azman established FMC Kelah Eco Park in 2023 to create a protected sanctuary for the wild green mahseer. The park, located about 15 kilometers off the Kuala Krai-Kota Bharu road, has evolved into an ecotourism destination that promotes environmental awareness and generates income for the local community. Visitors are drawn to the spectacle of thousands of mahseer emerging in unison during feeding times.
Recalling the beginning of his journey in 2017, Azman said he spontaneously started feeding the young mahseer and continued the routine daily. Despite the challenges of gaining the trust of the sensitive fish, Azman remained patient and consistent, eventually transforming nearly three kilometers of Sungai Koh into a thriving sanctuary. For Azman, the greatest satisfaction comes from seeing visitors' excitement as the fish appear.
Azman's efforts have not only brought attention to conservation-based ecotourism but have also attracted interest from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan's Institute for Poverty Research and Management (UMK INSPEK). According to the institute's director, Dr. Ahmad Fahme Mohd Ali, the park is a model for linking conservation efforts with rural community development. The institute aims to complement local expertise through entrepreneurship training and capacity building.
Additionally, Dr. Nur Ida Fatihah Che Shalifullizam from UMK's Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness emphasized that nature-based tourism can drive economic development by generating employment and creating markets for local products. Despite the park's growing popularity, Azman acknowledges that more infrastructure is needed to support increasing visitor numbers, and he hopes for government assistance to accelerate development.
Azman remains committed to protecting the river's ecosystem, understanding that the park's success relies on the health of the river. He emphasizes that any expansion must prioritize the preservation of the natural habitat to ensure the continued presence of the mahseer and the sustainability of the community's efforts.