By WU VUIDE
KOTA KINABALU: The State Government is taking action to address the outbreak of pelian fish deaths caused by Koi Herpesvirus (KHV), following incidents reported since August 1, 2025.
Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Datuk Jamawi Jaafar said the mass fish deaths were recorded in Keningau, Tambunan, Tenom, Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau and Sipitang.
He said the deaths caused by KHV were confirmed through laboratory analysis carried out by the Sabah Fisheries Department.
KHV is a dangerous pathogenic virus that attacks fish from the Cyprinidae family and is classified as a high-impact aquaculture disease with a very high mortality rate.
“Scientific data show mortality rates can reach between 80 and 100 per cent in infected populations.
“The virus is active in water temperatures of around 18 to 28 degrees Celsius and becomes more aggressive when temperatures change suddenly.
“It can also remain latent before reactivating when environmental stress occurs, such as during the dry season, and spreads through water, direct contact, contaminated equipment and the transfer of live fish,” he said in response to issues circulating on online platforms regarding the pelian fish deaths.
Jamawi said field investigations found that the main cause of the spread was the release of non-native fish, particularly koi and other species from the Cyprinidae family that are not endemic to Sabah, into public waters without control.
He said such irresponsible actions violate biosecurity principles and have caused serious infections among local species, including pelian fish.
He added that the ongoing dry season has increased water temperatures, creating conditions favourable for virus activation and raising the risk of further mass fish deaths in the near term.
He said several measures have been taken, including the issuance of a special circular to all districts for the immediate implementation of control actions.
“All tagal chairmen are instructed to identify, capture and remove all koi fish and non-endemic Cyprinidae species from tagal areas and rivers.
“These fish must be destroyed immediately in accordance with standard operating procedures (SOP) for biosecurity disposal, and any re-release is strictly prohibited,” he said.
Jamawi also said the ministry has imposed a temporary ban on all import and export activities involving fish from the Cyprinidae family to and from Sabah.
He said the ban covers live fish, fry, broodstock and any form of biological transfer that poses a risk of spreading the KHV virus, and takes immediate effect until biosecurity risk assessments are completed.
He stressed that enforcement under the Sabah Inland Fisheries Enactment will be strengthened without compromise.
“Any party found releasing non-native fish into public waters, failing to comply with destruction orders, or violating the import and export ban will face strict legal action,” he said.
Jamawi also warned aquaculture operators, ornamental fish breeders and the public not to bring in or release non-native fish species into public waters and to fully comply with biosecurity requirements.
He said all parties must give full cooperation to the authorities in efforts to contain the outbreak.
“This incident is a serious threat to Sabah’s inland aquatic biodiversity and could lead to the permanent loss of endemic species such as pelian fish if not addressed aggressively and in an integrated manner.
“There will be no compromise on biosecurity threats. Firm action will be taken without exception,” he said.
Jamawi said the mass fish deaths were recorded in Keningau, Tambunan, Tenom, Penampang, Tuaran, Ranau and Sipitang.
