Earlier, social media was abuzz with claims of piranhas at the Klau Dam, including posts alleging that the fish had eaten crocodiles, raising concern among netizens over the possible presence of the alien species in the waters.
PUTRAJAYA: The Pahang Department of Fisheries (DOF) has sent a video recording and photographs of a fish alleged to be a red-bellied piranha (Pygocentrus nattereri) found at the Klau Dam in Raub to the Fisheries Research Institute (IPP) in Glami Lemi, Negeri Sembilan for species verification.
Fisheries director-general Datuk Adnan Hussain said the verification process was being carried out with the IPP, while monitoring was also being conducted in cooperation with the local inland fisheries community and relevant agencies to determine whether any similar fish had been found.
“The public need not panic and are advised not to jump to any conclusions until the species is verified,” he told Bernama today.
Adnan said the video recording and photographs were sent today following a follow-up investigation by the state fisheries department into the alleged discovery of the alien fish, which had attracted attention on social media.
Earlier, social media was abuzz with claims of piranhas at the Klau Dam, including posts alleging that the fish had eaten crocodiles, raising concern among netizens over the possible presence of the alien species in the waters.
The Pahang Department of Fisheries’ investigation found that the fish was caught using a cast net by a resident on Aug 26, before a video recording of the catch was shared via a WhatsApp group.
Based on the individual’s statement, only one fish, alleged to be a piranha, was caught that day, while the other catches consisted of Lampam Sungai, Lampam Jawa, Zebra Tilapia and Peacock Bass. The fish later died after being brought ashore and was thrown into the bushes.
The department’s investigating officers subsequently met the individual, who is a fish dealer in the area and had caught the fish and recorded the video.
Discussions with the local community found that no other similar fish catches had been reported since the first incident.
Pahang Fisheries director Roslan Abu Hassan, together with representatives from the Raub District and Land Office, police and the Penghulu of Mukim Gali 2, also inspected the location today and met members of the local community who witnessed the discovery.
