Ban on ‘walk-in’ customers reveals outlets selling of prohibited fish species in PJ

PETALING JAYA: Shops that did not allow customers to “walk in” but instead conducted sales exclusively online and lacking signage on the premises were found to be selling prohibited species by the Selangor Fisheries Department in two raids in Petaling Jaya on Monday (March 10), Malay language daily Sinar Harian reports.

Selangor Fisheries director Noraisyah Abu Bakar told Sinar Harian that the raids on the two premises, starting at noon, resulted in the seizure of 174 fish of various types and sizes.

She said that both premises were not open to the public but were specifically opened for online orders by buyers.

“Among the confiscated fish were Spotted Gar, Peacock Bass, Amazon RTC, Tiger Shovelnose Catfish, Emperor Blue Hook, Arapaima, and Silver Dollar, ranging in size from three to six inches, and sold at prices between RM30 to RM300 depending on the fish type,” she told Sinar Harian on Tuesday (March 11).

She added that the prices did not include delivery charges.

Noraisyah also said investigation papers have been opened against both businesses.

“The Fisheries Department reminds all parties to comply with existing legal provisions. The ban on the possession of prohibited fish falls under the Fisheries (Prohibition of Import, etc. of Fish) (Amendment 2024) Regulations,” she added.