Puchong, Malaysia – Local Citizens Lead Efforts Against Invasive Fish Species
In an effort to combat the proliferation of invasive fish species, a group of passionate anglers in Malaysia is rallying to reclaim the country’s rivers. On a recent Sunday, around a dozen men gathered by the Klang River, casting nets into its polluted waters and pulling in swarms of invasive suckermouth catfish. Led by Mohamad Haziq A. Rahman, this “foreign fish hunter squad” emphasizes the urgent need to address the ecological threat posed by these non-native species, which are jeopardizing local aquatic life.
Once introduced into Malaysian waterways for commercial or hobbyist purposes, invasive fish like the suckermouth catfish now dominate freshwater habitats, contributing to the decline of native species. Experts warn that over 80 percent of rivers in the Klang Valley have seen invasions, threatening to disrupt local ecosystems. "If we don’t act now, it would be worse," Haziq stated, underscoring the importance of grassroots action.
The group initially formed during the COVID-19 lockdowns, and since then, its membership has surged past 1,000, thanks largely to their social media presence. They meet regularly to organize culling efforts, aiming to reduce the numbers of invasive catfish, which can destabilize riverbanks and disrupt local fish populations.
Local authorities are recognizing the problem, having initiated programs to restore native fish populations and financially incentivize the removal of invasive species. However, experts caution that complete eradication is unlikely, as these invaders are well-adapted to local environments. Nonetheless, Haziq and his fellow hunters remain committed to ongoing efforts, believing that even incremental actions can have a meaningful impact on restoring Malaysia’s rich biodiversity.
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