GUA MUSANG: A fish pond farmer in Kampung Lepan Jaya near here could suffer losses of more than RM500,000 if the current hot and dry weather persists.
Mat Nawi Hussin, 60, said he had been rearing 100,000 different types of pond fish for the past 26 years.
According to him, this was the first time he was facing such a situation.
"Since the long drought began more than a month ago, the water in all eight ponds receded 0.5 meters.
"What's worrying is that if the situation continues, it can cause 9,000 'ikan kelah' to die.
"The fish are now primed for sale. Each weighs between one and three kilogrammes, and fetches a price of RM200 per kilogramme, "he said when met yesterday.
Besides 'ikan kelah', Mat Nawi also breeds 40,000 tilapias, catfish (30,000) and 'tongsang' fish (20,000).
He said he was now at his wit's end and is unable to overcome the problem of ponds drying out.
"I hope the relevant parties can help resolve this issue immediately," he added.