By Fitri Hazim Hazam
SUBANG JAYA, Dec 22 — Over nine tonnes of invasive fish have been caught in the second series of the state's suckermouth catfish (pleco) catching programme along a 5km stretch of Sungai Kuyoh in Seri Kembangan since December 7.
The founder of the fish hunting squad, Mohd Haziq A Rahman, said the overall target of 10 tonnes is expected to be reached today, thanks to strong participation and favourable weather since yesterday.
According to him, the increase in the catch is also attributed to the strategy used by participants, who worked in groups, resulting in higher yields.
“Yesterday, participants caught 2.9 tonnes, and by 12pm today, over one tonne had been weighed,” he said, adding that the response to the second series has been much better.
“The previous programme only caught 4.6 tonnes, but this time, in just three weeks, we are close to reaching the 10-tonne target,” he told Media Selangor.
More than 50 participants joined the second series, and all the caught fish will be sent to the state government hub in Section 33, Shah Alam, for disposal and processing into fertiliser.
The second series of the invasive fish-catching programme will continue throughout this month, with an incentive of RM1 per kg offered every Saturday and Sunday.
The first series was held in September at the Denai Sungai Kebangsaan, Sungai Langat, as part of efforts to conserve local species and rivers.
In addition to being predators, the invasive fish species also pose a threat to riverbanks and dams due to their ability to burrow holes for nesting.
