Perak To Set Up Three New Freshwater Fish Sanctuaries

LUMUT, Oct 16 (Bernama) -- The Perak Fisheries Department plans to establish three new freshwater fish sanctuaries for high-value and endangered species in Ulu Kinta, Kuala Kangsar and Parit soon.

Its director, Mohd Ghazali Abdul Manap said the initiative is subject to the Perak Fisheries (Riverine) Rules 1992, which is in the final amendment stage before being presented to the State Executive Council (MMK) for gazettement.

“The main species proposed for these sanctuaries include temoleh, kelah and tengas. If approved, they will follow the tagal management model in Sabah, which designates specific zones for conservation and fishing to boost fish populations,” he told a press conference at the Fisheries Monitoring, Control and Surveillance (MCS) Programme Base in Kampung Acheh here today.

Currently, there are two existing sanctuaries in Perak - the Sungai Tiang Akekchep Kelah Sanctuary in Gerik, and the Bukit Merah Golden Arowana Sanctuary in Kerian, both managed by the department.

Mohd Ghazali said the sanctuaries serve as conservation and natural breeding areas that benefit the ecosystem and inland fishing communities.

“Our goal is to ensure these valuable species do not disappear from the state’s waters and can still be seen by future generations,” he said.

He added that once the amended regulation takes effect, the golden arowana, kelah and temoleh will be gazetted as protected species.

“The temoleh population has declined sharply, with landings recorded at only 116.4 kilogrammes (kg) from January to August this year compared with 1,496 kg throughout 2024,” he said.

-- BERNAMA