GEORGE TOWN: The Penang Fisheries Department is investigating the release of an invasive fish species during a recent fishing competition organised by the Seberang Prai City Council (MBSP).

The department said it was awaiting a formal response from the council to complete its review and determine follow-up action.

It said under the Guidelines for Fish Release by the Public, only indigenous fish species could be released into public waterways.

The introduction of non-native or invasive species is strictly prohibited due to the risk of disrupting biodiversity, damaging natural habitats and threatening native fish populations through predation and competition.

Penang Fisheries director Zarina Zainuddin said it was important for everyone to protect Malaysia's aquatic ecosystems.

"We remain committed to safeguarding the sustainability of our natural fishery resources.

"We strongly encourage all parties to consult with us before conducting any fish release activities.

"This is crucial to ensure such actions do not harm the ecological balance we all depend on."

The department reiterated that all fish stocking or release programmes must receive prior approval to ensure they were properly managed and compliant with national conservation guidelines.

However, MBSP has denied releasing 350kg of African catfish into a retention pond as part of the competition.

It said only 150 catfish were released as a promotional attraction for the competition and they were not intended to remain in the retention pond.

It said caught fish were not released back into the pond, but were distributed to the public or anglers to take home.

It said 113 fish, about 75 per cent of the total released, were caught.

As an additional control measure, the organiser installed nets at every water inlet and outlet to prevent fish from escaping the MBSP retention pond.

By Audrey Dermawan