The Sabah Ministry of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry has ordered the immediate capture and destruction of all koi fish and non-native Cyprinidae species found in tagging areas, fish sanctuaries, and rivers across the state following a serious viral outbreak.
State minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the directive comes after Koi Herpesvirus (KHV) was confirmed as the main cause of mass deaths involving the native pelian or kelah fish, which have been reported in several districts since August 1, 2025.
He said all affected fish must be destroyed immediately in accordance with established biosecurity standard operating procedures, stressing that any release back into waterways is strictly prohibited.
The outbreak has been linked to large-scale fish deaths recorded in rivers across Keningau, Tambunan, Tenom, Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau and Sipitang, raising concerns over the state’s aquatic biodiversity.
Laboratory analysis by the Sabah Fisheries Department’s Biosecurity Laboratory in Likas confirmed the presence of KHV as the primary cause of the die-off affecting the high-value native species.
Authorities also identified the introduction of non-native fish, particularly koi and other Cyprinidae species, into natural waterways without proper control as the main factor behind the spread of the virus.
Jamawi said such irresponsible actions violate biosecurity principles and pose a severe threat to endemic species, especially the pelian fish, which is considered a valuable native resource.
He added that the ongoing dry season has worsened the situation by increasing water temperatures, creating favourable conditions for the virus to activate and spread more rapidly.
In response, the ministry has also imposed a temporary ban on the import and export of all Cyprinidae-related fish species in and out of Sabah until further risk assessments are completed.
Jamawi warned that strict legal action will be taken under the Sabah Inland Fisheries Enactment against anyone who releases foreign fish species into public waters or fails to comply with disposal orders.
He also urged aquaculture operators, ornamental fish breeders, and the public to strictly adhere to biosecurity measures and avoid introducing alien species into natural waterways.
Officials cautioned that KHV is a highly contagious pathogen with mortality rates that can reach up to 80 to 100 per cent in infected populations, posing a severe risk to aquatic ecosystems if not controlled aggressively.
