KOTA KINABALU: The spread of Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) affecting tagal fish in several rivers in Tambunan, Keningau and Tenom is now under control.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar (
pic) said no new fish deaths had been recorded following monitoring and control measures implemented by the Sabah Fisheries Department over the past two months.
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He said samples were taken from the affected rivers after reports were received from tagal operators and laboratory analysis confirmed the infection was caused by KHV.
“Our officers have been on the ground since December to carry out close monitoring and implement control measures.
“So far, the situation is under control and no new cases have been reported,” he said when met at the United Sabah Islamic Organisation (Usia)'s Ramadan Programme Coordination Meeting here on Monday.
In early January, hundreds of dead Mahseer fish were found floating in tagal rivers in Long Pasia, Tambunan and Keningau, causing concern among residents.
Jamawi said precautionary measures remain in force, including instructions not to transfer fish from affected areas to other locations to prevent further spread of the virus.
He assured that fish from the affected areas are safe for consumption and urged the public not to panic.
He said further investigations are ongoing to determine the source of the infection, including the possibility of river flow from outside the country, but no confirmation has been made.
“There is a possibility it is linked to a case reported in Kalimantan, Indonesia, last year, as the Padas River originates from Kalimantan before flowing into the Pegalan River and into the interior of Sabah, but we have not confirmed any cross-border source, and the matter remains under study,” he said.
