In Malaysia, rivers are under threat from invasive fish species that have spread widely, harming native wildlife and local ecosystems.
Just outside Kuala Lumpur, a dedicated group of volunteers, known as the “foreign fish hunter squad,” gathers regularly to catch these invasive fish — mainly the suckermouth catfish. This species, originally from South America, has become a serious problem because it multiplies quickly, survives well in polluted waters, and damages riverbanks by burrowing.
Leader Mohamad Haziq A Rahman started the group during the COVID-19 lockdown when he noticed almost every fish he caught was this invasive catfish. What began as a personal hobby grew into a movement with over 1,000 members actively working to reduce the population of these unwelcome fish.
Experts warn that invasive species now occupy more than 80% of rivers in the Klang Valley, with other Malaysian waterways facing similar threats. These fish not only compete with native species for food but also contribute to environmental damage, including erosion that worsens flooding risks.
The fish hunters catch tons of suckermouth catfish regularly. Instead of simply discarding them, they are exploring creative uses—such as turning the fish into charcoal, fertiliser, or even leather. In some cases, they prepare and eat the fish, but only if it’s caught from less polluted rivers.
Malaysia’s fisheries department supports these efforts by releasing millions of native fish to help restore balance and offering incentives to anglers who remove invasive species. Despite these measures, experts say completely eradicating invasive fish is nearly impossible, especially as climate change may allow some species to spread further.
Still, Haziq and his team remain committed. “We may not get rid of them all,” he says, “but acting now to reduce their numbers is better than doing nothing. Otherwise, the problem will only get worse.”
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
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Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
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The 2025 G7 Leaders’ Summit was held June 15–17 in Kananaskis, Alberta, under Canada’s presidency. Prime Minister Mark Carney framed the meeting around priorities of protecting communities, energy and climate security, the digital transition, and future partnerships.
China issued red alerts as extreme monsoon rains trigger flash floods across central and southern regions, threatening lives, infrastructure, and the world’s second-largest economy.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
Canada warns the U.S. to reach a trade deal by 21 July or face new steel and aluminium tariffs, as PM Carney vows to protect Canadian workers from U.S. measures.
Germany’s producer prices dropped 1.2% year-on-year in May, in line with market expectations, largely due to falling energy prices, official data showed Friday.
Start your day informed with AnewZ Morning Brief: here are the top news stories for June 20th, covering the latest developments you need to know.
A deadly overnight Russian drone assault on Ukraine’s Black Sea port city of Odesa left one person dead and at least 14 injured, striking residential buildings and key rail infrastructure, according to local authorities.
There are international calls to seek a diplomatic solution amid rising tensions in the Middle East and to prevent Iran from acquiring nuclear weapons. That's according to U.S. Secretary of State Marco Rubio and key international allies who discussed the escalating conflict between Iran and Israel.
The World Bank is pushing for “radical” debt transparency from developing countries to prevent future financial crises, warning that hidden debts are fueling instability.
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