by Theleaders | October 2, 2025 2:13 pm
GEORGE TOWN, Oct 2 — Releasing of non-native or foreign fish into open waterways such as ponds, rivers and the sea is strictly prohibited, the Penang Fisheries Department reminded today.
The state director Zarina Zainuddin noted that a foreign fish species, the African catfish, was released into a retention pond in Seberang Perai during a fishing competition organised by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) on September 20.
“The release of foreign or non-native fish is strictly prohibited as it risks disrupting biodiversity balance, damaging habitats, and threatening native fish populations through competition and predation,” she said in a statement today.
She said the department is now carrying out preliminary investigations into it.
According to her, they are waiting for an official response from MBSP to complete the review process before further action is taken.
“The guidelines for fish release by the public issued by the Department of Fisheries clearly stipulate that only native fish species are allowed to be released into public waters,” she said.
She added that the department will continue to ensure the sustainability of the nation’s natural fisheries resources is preserved.
“We sincerely hope that all parties will cooperate by referring first to the department before carrying out any fish release activities,” she said.
She said this is important to protect the balance of the ecosystem and natural resources.
She also stressed that any fish fry release programmes, including those involving recreational fishing activities, must first be referred to the department.
“This is important to prevent similar incidents from recurring as well as to ensure activities are carried out in a controlled manner and in compliance with existing guidelines,” she said.
She called on all parties to be more careful and mindful of the implications of releasing foreign fish into the country’s waters.
Meanwhile, when contacted, MBSP said the actual number of African catfish released was 150kg and not 350kg as alleged.
According to MBSP, the release of the fish was meant as a promotional attraction for the competition and not to remain in the retention pond for the fishing contest held in conjunction with the recent City Day celebrations.
“The competition rules stipulated that every fish successfully caught by participants would be weighed and recorded,” it said.
It added that all the fish would be stored in containers until the event ended.
“All catches were not released back into the pond but instead given to the public or anglers to take home,” it said.
MBSP added that during the competition, a total of 113 fish were caught, which is about 75 per cent of the total released.
“As an additional precautionary measure, the organisers also placed nets at every water inlet and outlet to ensure the fish did not escape from MBSP’s retention pond,” it said.
The fishing competition organised by the Seberang Perai City Council (MBSP) at the retention pond on September 20.
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