Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh

October 31, 2010 20:26 PM

Tanjung Karang Soon To Breed Ikan Baung: Noh


TANJUNG KARANG, Oct 31 (Bernama) -- If Temerloh, Pahang is famous for the breeding of the 'ikan patin' (silver catfish), Tanjung Karang will soon become the main source for 'ikan baung' (mystus nemurus) as part of its efforts to promote agro-tourism in Malaysia.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said to implement this plan, the Fisheries Department will release 10,000 ikan baung fry in Sungai Ban Canal, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here, at the latest by December.

"We will introduce this area as the source for ikan baung and encourage fishing enthusiasts nationwide to come here and involve themselves in the agriculture sector," he told reporters after presenting prizes to winners of a fishing competition in conjunction with a programme at Sungai Ban Canal Tanjong Karang, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay, here Sunday.

Fisheries Department deputy director-general (Operations) Datuk Suhaili Lee said the fry would be taken from three collection centres owned by the department, located in Negeri Sembilan and Pahang.

"For a start we will release 10,000 fry, which cost five sen each, in the three-kilometre long river. If there's a positive response we will continue these efforts by increasing the number of fry," he added.

When asked why the ikan baung was chosen, Suhaili said their potential to breed in the river was high because the river has become a natural habitat for fish of the same species.

--BERNAMA