Kuala Lumpur: The Fisheries Department has successfully removed over 4.4 tonnes of non-native fish species from Malaysian waters since 2022 through 17 targeted operations. Datuk Adnan Hussain, the department’s director-general, stated that these efforts aim to eliminate aggressive, fast-breeding foreign species that threaten local biodiversity by competing for food and habitat.

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Malaysia is home to more than 449 native freshwater fish species, including the ecologically and economically significant kelah, temoleh, sebarau, and river catfish. However, invasive species such as peacock bass, African catfish, redtail catfish, and the Amazon sailfin catfish are posing a threat to the sustainability of the country’s aquatic biodiversity.

Adnan highlighted that recent reports indicate a notably high population of redtail catfish in Sungai Pahang, with presence also noted in Sungai Perak and Sungai Selangor. This suggests the species’ ability to adapt easily to local aquatic environments. He speculated that these invasive fish might have been initially introduced by aquaculture operators from neighboring countries and accidentally released into natural waterways during floods.

Despite the ecological threat, Adnan noted the commercial value of the redtail catfish due to its market price, which has led some communities to catch and sell the fish as a source of income. However, he emphasized the need for coordinated efforts to reduce their population, including raising public awareness about their threat to local ecosystems.

One initiative to tackle this issue is the organization of invasive fish-catching competitions aimed at removing these species from national waters. During a recent event, the department presented RM331,400 in Matching Grant Assistance under the Aquaculture Integration Development Programme to three main participants of the Rizqi Cluster. Additionally, RM66,000 in living allowance aid was provided to 22 fishermen in the district.