Authorities confiscated prohibited fish and protected turtles worth over RM335,000 in a coordinated raid on six Kuala Lumpur pet shops.
KUALA LUMPUR: The Department of Fisheries Malaysia (DOF) has seized hundreds of prohibited and invasive fish alongside high-value protected turtles in a major enforcement operation targeting the ornamental pet trade.
A joint task force of 42 officers from DOF, the Royal Malaysia Police, the Department of Wildlife and National Parks (Perhilitan), and Kuala Lumpur City Hall raided six premises along Jalan Pudu on Thursday.
Federal Territories of Kuala Lumpur and Putrajaya Fisheries director Suhanah Kassiron confirmed all six locations committed offences under the Fisheries (Inland Fisheries Aquaculture) Rules 2017.
Enforcement officers confiscated 675 fish of various prohibited species with an estimated value of RM35,674 during the operation.
The seized fish included invasive species such as Arapaima, Sturgeon, Midas, Peacock bass, Cambaridae crayfish, Amazon Redtail Catfish, Pacu, and Flowerhorn.
“We found that these prohibited fish can damage the ecosystem if released into public waters,” Suhanah Kassiron said at a press conference.
She strongly advised the public against owning or releasing such fish into public waterways.
Premises owners found violating the regulations face a fine of up to RM1,000, imprisonment for up to one year, or both penalties for each offence.
Perhilitan National Wildlife Rescue Centre assistant director Celescoriano Razond announced the separate seizure of 304 turtles and tortoises worth approximately RM300,000.
He said the haul included high-value species like the Pig-nosed Turtle and Albino Tortoise, with investigations proceeding under the Wildlife Conservation Act 2010.
“There have been seizures of Pig-nosed Turtles that sell at a maximum of around RM9,000 to RM10,000 each,” Celescoriano Razond stated.
He added that an Albino Tortoise can fetch around RM10,000 on the market.
All seized animals have been transferred to the Selangor Fisheries Biosecurity Centre for further action and safekeeping.
