KUCHING: Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Patinggi Tan Sri Alfred Jabu yesterday attributed the fast depletion of empurau and other fish in rivers to the use of ‘tubai’ (a poisonous substance) to catch fish.
He said the activity was rampantly done to catch more fish for profit without considering the consequences.
“Once ‘tubai’ is used, the river is contaminated and one big source of protein is polluted. In fact the state government has banned the use of ‘tubai’ since 35 years ago,” he said.
Jabu said this when opening the inaugural ‘Strategic Plans of Empurau/Kelah Research’ workshop recently.
“Such activities have affected the wild empurau population, making it crucial to manage our fish resource if we are to conserve them,” he said.
He suggested that tougher laws and regulations be made available to prevent habitat loss and uncontrolled fishing. On another note, he said the ‘tagang’ system, which is designed for hatchery and breeding of fish, also applies to empurau fish once when they are released into the rivers.
For the ‘tagang’ system to succeed, he suggested that the relevant authority reinforce fencing and beef up security surrounding the area.
“This is necessary because poachers will encroach into the area for empurau which is very valuable in the market,” said the Minister of Modernisation of Agriculture.
Jabu, who is also Rural Development Minister, revealed he had led a group of researchers in longboats through treacherous rapids as well as by helicopter to really remote areas to look for empurau breeding grounds.
“This just shows how serious we are in wanting to do the conservation,” said Jabu, adding that Sungai Adang in Limbang is a haven for wild empurau and semah.
To counter the depleting source of this prized fish, he said massive preservation with more scientific research was needed as both were not straight forward undertakings.
“It takes years before results are achieved,” he added.
He further said once the wild breeders which were packed in oxygenated polybags reach Tarat Agriculture Station, they are placed in ‘special effect ponds’ that simulate upriver water to provide the right condition for them to breed in captivity.
Apart from commercial feeds, Jabu said they are fed with wild fruits such as ‘engkabang’, ‘ensurai’, ‘jambu air’ and figs.