Kangar: The Malaysian Foreign Fish Hunting Squad (SPIA) recorded a catch of about 75 tonnes of suckermouth catfish or ikan bandaraya throughout Peninsular Malaysia from the end of 2023 to last December. SPIA Malaysia founder Mohamad Haziq A. Rahman highlighted that these catches resulted from a collaborative effort involving various government agencies, skills institutions, and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

According to BERNAMA News Agency, the catch figure does not include those from a recent programme in Perlis, organised with the support of the Perlis Irrigation and Drainage Department (DID), Perlis Fisheries Department, and Kangar Municipal Council (MPK). Mohamad Haziq shared these details with reporters at the Sungai Perlis Inland Fisheries Resource Conservation Programme Bake With Love 4.0: 'Sinar Bawah Air', an event co-organised with the National Youth Skills Institute (IKBN) Naka, Kedah in Sungai Perlis.

The programme, running from 8 am to 3 pm, was initiated in response to local complaints about the dumping of foreign fish species, which have been disrupting the ecosystem of Sungai Perlis, particularly the ikan bandaraya. Mohamad Haziq emphasized that the initiative aims not only to capture these fish but also to educate students and the public on conserving aquatic ecosystems.

SPIA Malaysia is a community-driven organization founded by anglers and land fishermen who actively and voluntarily tackle the issue of ikan bandaraya. The group boasts a membership of over 1,000 individuals throughout Peninsular Malaysia.