BANGI: The Selangor state government has launched a programme where it is targetting to capture 50 tonnes of plecos at the Sungai Langat national river trail throughout this month.
Known among the locals as ikan bandaraya, pleco or suckermouth catfish can burrow into the ground or riverbanks, causing erosion as well as turning the waters murk.
State Infrastructure and Agriculture committee chairman Izham Hashim said the state government will provide an incentive of RM1 for every kilogramme of fish captured.
The incentive and the programme, he said, are aimed at reducing the population of plecos, which contribute to riverbank erosion and flooding.
"Throughout this month, every Saturday and Sunday, we aim to capture 50,000 kg.
"This means the state government is allocating RM50,000 as an incentive for the participants involved.
"We will review and adjust if necessary to do," he said.
Izham said response and feedback on social media from the public for the initiative have been very encouraging.
" If possible, we want to make this a continuous programme.
"I am confident that we can reduce and even eliminate the urban pleco.
"Besides the plecos, there are other invasive fish species, which are a major concern," he added.
Izham added that all captured fish will be processed into high-micronutrient animal feed and organic fertiliser using Bio-Nano Yanisys technology.
"The quality of the fish when used as fertiliser is exceptional. Its nutrient content is very high, making it a great potential for commercialisation.
"This method will also be expanded as we work to reduce the pleco population, raising awareness within the community.
"People often think this fish is harmless. It is indeed harmless in terms of not being dangerous, but it preys on other fish, disrupting the food chain and outcompeting other fish," he said.