A viral claim has been circulating online alleging that an angler caught a piranha at Klau Dam in Raub, Pahang.
On 12 September, a local freshwater monitoring group raised concerns over the alleged presence of a red-bellied piranha in the dam.
Pahang Fisheries Department probes viral piranha claim
Following the concerns, the Pahang Fisheries Department has since looked into the claim involving the red-bellied piranha, scientifically known as Pygocentrus nattereri.
According to its director, Roslan Abu Hasan, said the Pahang Fisheries Department’s Western Office would visit the dam to gather further information and verify the discovery of the fish, which is prohibited in Malaysia and is typically found in the Amazon River Basin in South America.
“We are investigating to verify the claim regarding the presence of this predatory fish species at Klau Dam. Fisheries officers will be heading there this week,” he said as quoted by Harian Metro.
Roslan abu hasan
Possession, import and sale of piranhas require Fisheries Department approval
Piranhas and pacus, including red-bellied piranhas and red-bellied pacus, are controlled or prohibited species in Malaysia due to concerns over their potential impact on the local ecosystem.
As such, their possession, import, or sale is subject to regulations and approval from the Fisheries Department.
The piranha at the dam are believed to have been released by irresponsible individuals, raising concerns that more could have been released or that the fish may reproduce and spread in the area.
Stay tuned to WORLD OF BUZZ for more updates!
Also read: Environmental Group Hits Back at MBSA’s Fish Release Justification, Calls Their Points “Nonsense”
