Kuala terengganu: Disturbances caused by predators have been identified as the factor behind the recent absence of fish at the Kelah Sanctuary, Lake Kenyir, according to the Central Terengganu Development Authority (Ketengah).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, Ketengah stated that threats from predators like otters had made the fish less calm, prompting them to move away from areas popular with tourists. It was noted that the situation had improved after preventive measures, continuous monitoring, and intensive fish-habituation efforts were implemented to attract the fish back to the sanctuary.

Operations at the Kelah Sanctuary have been slightly disrupted since August 18 due to predator disturbances, which have caused the wild mahseer, or ikan kelah, to become less calm and avoid the area. However, Ketengah has taken immediate action to ensure that the kelah population at the sanctuary and visitor comfort remain unaffected.

Ketengah also announced that the Kelah Sanctuary at Lake Kenyir would be closed for three days from tomorrow until August 24 for maintenance.

Meanwhile, Arif Aizat, 21, a visitor from Kuala Lumpur, expressed disappointment at not being able to see the ikan kelah, as featured on social media, despite having paid a relatively high package fee of RM35 to RM50 per person. He mentioned that he and his friends traveled a long way hoping to see the large and abundant ikan kelah in Lake Kenyir but were disappointed to find only a few.

Aizat emphasized the need for immediate action by the relevant parties, as the situation is affecting tourists and could impact Terengganu’s tourism industry if it continues.