Tanjong Karang to become main source for ikan baung

TANJUNG KARANG: If Temerloh is famous for the breeding of ikan patin (silver catfish), Tanjung Karang will soon become the main source for ikan baung (yellow catfish) as part of its efforts to promote agro-tourism in Malaysia. Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Seri Noh Omar said the Fisheries Department would release 10,000 ikan baung fry in Sungai Ban Canal, Kampung Sungai Sireh Homestay here by next month. “We will introduce this area as the source for ikan baung and encourage fishing enthusiasts nationwide to come here and get involved 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 yesterday.

Fisheries Department deputy director-general (operations) Datuk Suhaili Lee said the fry would be taken from the department’s three collection centres in Negri Sembilan and Pahang. “For a start, we will release 10,000 fry, which cost five sen each, in the 3km-long river. If there’s a positive response, we will continue these efforts by increasing the number of fry,” he added.
Asked why ikan baung was chosen, Suhaili said their potential to breed was high because the river had become a natural habitat for fish of the same species.
— Bernama