FISHERIES
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FISHERIES
@ AGROBiz | March-April. 2026
Sabah fish threat
• Hot weather and drought have intensified
KHV, increasing mortality risks for pelian fish in Sabah.
• The virus, carried by koi, spreads more aggressively in warmer river conditions.
• 25 fishing boats in Mersing upgraded with solar PV systems to reduce reliance on diesel.
PROTECTING NATIVE SPECIES:
Prolonged heat and drought conditions have accelerated the spread of KHV, threatening the Pelian fish, a prized local mahseer, in Sabah rivers.( Photo by: BERNAMA).
EXTENDED dry spells and rising river temperatures have raised alarm over aquatic health in Sabah, as Koi Herpesvirus( KHV) continues to threaten pelian( kelah) populations in inland waters. The outbreak, linked to non-native fish species, has prompted swift intervention from authorities amid growing concerns over biosecurity and the long-term sustainability of the state’ s river ecosystems.
Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said hotter river conditions over the past two to three weeks had intensified the virus, which is carried by koi fish and affects closely related species of pelian.
“ This virus only affects pelian fish because scientific studies show both species are closely related. If not contained, it is feared the situation will persist,” he said.
CONTROL MEASURES
The issue has been traced partly to the introduction of ornamental koi into rivers, particularly within tagal zones- a traditional Kadazandusun conservation system that restricts fishing to allow stocks to recover. While intended to enhance these areas, the practice has instead disrupted local aquatic biosecurity.
In response, the state government has ordered immediate action. All tagal chairmen have been directed to remove and dispose of koi and other non-endemic Cyprinidae species from rivers, fish farms and conservation zones.
Jamawi said:“ All tagal chairmen have been instructed to identify, capture and release all koi fish and non-endemic Cyprinidae species from tagal areas, fish farms and rivers across Sabah.
“ The fish must be destroyed
A pilot initiative to integrate renewable energy into small-scale fisheries is underway in Johor, with 25 boats operated by B40 fishermen now equipped with solar photovoltaic( PV) systems to reduce reliance on fuel and stabilise operating costs.
The project, led by Bank Islam Malaysia Bhd, introduces solar-powered systems to reduce reliance on diesel amid ongoing fluctuations in global fuel prices that have affected fishermen’ s income predictability.
Its social finance director Mohd Zikri Mohd Shairy said the adoption of solar technology offers both economic and environmental benefits to the fishing community.
“ This initiative also supports environmental sustainability efforts and the reduction of diesel engine noise, which can further increase catch yields while providing savings( diesel costs) of about RM150 per month for them," he said.
Beyond fuel savings, the system enhances daily operations through automation, including water drainage within the boats, reducing the need for constant manual monitoring.
“ For example, previously, during
immediately in accordance with biosecurity disposal standard operating procedures, and any form of release is strictly prohibited.”
A temporary ban has also been imposed on the import and export of Cyprinidae species, covering live fish, fry and broodstock, until a full risk assessment is completed. Authorities warned that strict enforcement would follow under existing fisheries laws.
“ This incident poses a serious threat to Sabah’ s inland aquatic biodiversity and could lead to the permanent loss of endemic species, such as the pelian fish, if not addressed in an aggressive and integrated approach.
“ There will be no compromise on biosecurity threats. Stern action will be taken without exception,” he further explained.
Since Aug 1 2025, multiple cases of pelian deaths linked to KHV have been reported. The presence of invasive pleco fish in some rivers has further raised concerns over ecosystem imbalance.
Meanwhile, the Department
Renewable fishing push
CLEANER FISHING OPERATIONS: Solar PV systems installed on fishing boats help reduce diesel use and operating costs.
the holidays, they had to come and remove the water that entered the boat one or two times a day, but with the solar-powered system, this happens automatically,” he said.
Valued at nearly RM150,000, the project is structured using the Social Return on Investment( SROI) framework and implemented through Sadaqa House, in collaboration with Universiti Teknologi Malaysia( UTM), with support from Lembaga Tabung Haji.
In addition to vessel upgrades, the initiative includes community-based of Fisheries( DOF) confirmed that public waters in Peninsular Malaysia remain free of KHV.
“ Data also show a decline in cases at private koi farms, from seven in 2022 to three in 2025, with all incidents fully contained and no spillover into public waters,” said its directorgeneral Datuk Adnan Hussain.
He stressed that, with no available treatment or vaccine, strict biosecurity compliance and immediate culling remain critical to containing the disease, and urged prompt reporting of unusual fish deaths.
components such as jetty improvements and support for small-scale enterprises among fishermen’ s families, including the production of salted fish and otak-otak.
Zikri said about 180 students from higher learning institutions were also involved, contributing to skills development and knowledge transfer.
Installation costs per boat range between RM6,000 and RM7,000, using longer-lasting lithium battery systems. Bank Islam is looking to replicate the programme in Morib, Selangor, by year-end.- @ AGROBiz