IPOH: Nearly 4,000kg of invasive fish species were caught during a foreign fish hunting event at Sungai Galah in Kampung Gajah, Perak Tengah.

Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said some 3,996kg of fish, consisting of suckermouth catfish, Asian redtail catfish and Chao Phraya giant catfish, were caught during the two-day "Perak Foreign Fish Hunting Grand Prix" on July 12 and 13.

"A total of 14,521 fish were caught.

"We hope this effort can control the invasive species population that threatens our rivers' biodiversity and ecosystem," he said in a statement on Monday (Aug 18).

"Efforts to combat the invasive and foreign species need to be continuous through holistic means and the support from the local community is important.

"The Grand Prix is not just a contest, but also to create awareness on the dangers of invasive species in our river ecosystem," he added.

Adnan said the event was the second one to be held in Perak this year, with the first being held in Ipoh on July 12 and 13.

"The event in Ipoh yielded about 2.3 metric tonnes of fish, which included suckermouth catfish and peacock bass.

"The next one will be held in Kuala Kangsar from Sept 20 to 21," he said.

Adnan said several local species of fish were released into Sungai Galah during the event.

"These included Jullien's golden carp, golden belly barb and freshwater prawns.

"This is part of our conservative measures to replenish the local population and balance the ecosystem," he said.

"It is through the hunting of the invasive species and release of local species that we can ensure our rivers are healthy and sustainable," he added.