CHUKAI: A Kohaku Koi fish belonging to a hobbyist at Kampung Gong Pauh here has fetched an offer of RM50,000 a fish.
However he will not be selling his prized five year-old Koi fish because he will be taking part in the Southeast Asian Koi fish competition this coming August and September.
Mohd Zulkifli Husin, 48, who is popularly known as Usop Cerek, said that he bought his Koi fish which is red and white in colour from the Momotaro fish farm in Japan and he has had it for quite a long time.
"I have more than 30 Grade A Koi fish from Japan but the Kohaku Koi fish are the ones that are coveted and sought after to be bought.
"Before this I had the intention of selling my beloved Koi fish but at a price of RM80,000 which suits its high quality.
"But now the Koi fish is in its best shape and condition so it will take part in the competition because it stands a very good chance of winning," he said.
Zulkifli said that the Southeast Asian Koi fish competition will see well known hobbyists from Thailand, the Philippines, Vietnam, Singapore and Indonesia taking part.
"Last year another Koi fish of mine was nominated as the best Koi fish in open competition in Selangor, this is why I have high hopes for the Koi fish that I have reared.
"The cost of rearing and feeding Koi fish is high, imagine the food to help maintain the Koi fish's quality in terms of colour costs RM900 for 15 kilogrammes (kg) which is imported from Japan.
"However such a high cost is not a deterrent for fans and enthusiasts of Grade A Koi fish in continuing with their beloved hobby.
He said that the number of fans and enthusiasts of Grade A Koi fish is growing because there are ready, willing buyers for such fish despite the high prices.