Sabah Implements Immediate Measures To Control Threat Of Non-Endemic Fish Species

KOTA KINABALU, April 7 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Ministry has instructed the state's Fisheries Department to issue a special circular to all districts to carry out immediate control measures to address the threat of non-endemic fish species in the state.

Its Minister, Datuk Jamawi Jaafar, said the instruction is part of firm measures to ensure comprehensive action is taken to tackle the outbreak of pelian (kelah) fish deaths, which has been confirmed to be caused by a Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) infection following incidents reported since Aug 1, 2025. 

"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 immediately in accordance with biosecurity disposal standard operating procedures, and any form of release is strictly prohibited,” he said in a statement.

Elaborating, Jamawi said the ministry has also ordered a temporary ban on all import and export activities involving Cyprinidae species.

He said the ban covers live fish, fry, broodstock and any biological transfer that could spread KHV, and takes immediate effect until a full biosecurity risk assessment is completed.

Jamawi stressed that enforcement under the Sabah Inland Fisheries Enactment would be strengthened without compromise.

"Any party that releases foreign fish into public waters, fails to comply with destruction orders, or violates the import and export ban will face stern legal action,” he said.

Jamawi also issued a stern warning to aquaculture operators, ornamental fish breeders and the public not to introduce or release foreign fish species into public waters and to fully comply with biosecurity requirements.

He said all parties must also fully cooperate with the authorities to contain the spread of the epidemic.

"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 said.

-- BERNAMA