SHAH ALAM – The Selangor state government is considering offering cash rewards to individuals who successfully catch red-tailed catfish to help control the population of this invasive species in the Sungai Selangor.
Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Amirudin Shari said that previously, an incentive of RM1 had been offered for every kilogramme of "bandaraya" fish caught as a measure to conserve the river and protect local species.
"I am confident that just as we addressed the issue of the 'bandaraya' fish, we can offer a reward for catching the red-tailed catfish, as it also disrupts the ecosystem.
"This was likely a measure under the Fisheries Department, and I would obtain the details.
"The matter was to be discussed in depth with the Selangor Infrastructure and Agriculture Exco Izham Hashim," he told Sinar.
Earlier, the red-tailed catfish, also known as the "red wolf," gained the attention of anglers after the Fisheries Department (DOF) of Selangor and Universiti Malaysia Terengganu had offered a cash reward.
The offer stated that RM50 would be given to anyone who caught the fish with a tag or marking in the Rantau Panjang River area, Bestari Jaya, from August until Sept 30.