[Story 1] From pet shops to waterways: How invasive species are spreading in Malaysia

 

By SHYAFIQ DZULKIFLI

PETALING JAYA: A fish bought to clean an aquarium or a turtle kept as a childhood pet may seem harmless, but some species introduced through the pet or hobby trade have ended up threatening Malaysia’s natural ecosystems.

The Natural Resources and Environmental Sustainability Ministry (NRES), through its Malaysia Biodiversity Information System (MyBIS) unit, said the pet and hobby trade is among the most common pathways for invasive alien species (IAS) to enter the country.

MyBIS said species are often imported because they are popular among enthusiasts and easily available through physical pet shops or online platforms.

However, some may escape captivity, be released into the wild or establish populations beyond their intended environments, creating ecological problems.

“Such activities can sometimes lead to unintended consequences when the introduced species become established in the environment and spread beyond their intended areas,” it said in response to queries from The Star.

The MyBIS portal has identified a total of 83 invasive alien species in Malaysia, covering plants, terrestrial animals, aquatic species, insects and fungi.

Among the species highlighted by MyBIS associated with the ornamental pet are the Ikan Bandaraya (Hypostomus plecostomus and Pterygoplichthys spp.) and the red-eared slider (Trachemys scripta).

The Ikan Bandaraya, which is commonly kept in aquariums for its algae-eating ability, has established populations in Malaysian waterways after individuals were released or escaped.

MyBIS said the species’ hardiness, rapid reproduction and lack of natural predators in local waters have allowed it to survive and spread.

“It competes with native fish for food and habitat, while its burrowing behaviour can damage riverbanks and contribute to the decline of native freshwater fish populations,” it said.

The red-eared slider, meanwhile, became popular as a pet due to its small size when young, affordability and ability to adapt to different environments.

However, MyBIS said the species has since been found in aquatic environments across Peninsular Malaysia, Sabah and Sarawak through the pet trade route.

Released or escaped individuals can compete with native turtles for food, nesting locations and basking areas, while also posing risks of transmitting diseases and parasites to local reptiles.

However, invasive species do not only enter Malaysia through pet trade.

MyBIS said other pathways include agriculture, forestry, aquaculture and landscaping, with soome species were initially introduced for economic or practical purposes before later displaying invasive characteristics.

One example is Acacia mangium, which was introduced in Sabah in 1966 as a firebreak species before being selected for the Compensatory Forest Plantation Programme in 1982 for timber production.

The species was later widely planted, including in Sabah and Sarawak for pulp and paper production.

However, MyBIS said the tree has shown invasive characteristics in certain contexts that may affect local ecosystems.

Beyond ecological impacts, invasive species can also create challenges for agriculture and the economy.

The Golden Apple Snail (Pomacea canaliculata), for example, is a major pest in Malaysian paddy fields, where it feeds on young rice seedlings, causing crop losses and increasing control costs for farmers.

Meanwhile, the Kariba Weed (Salvinia molesta) can obstruct waterways, disrupt fishing and recreational activities, and require continuous removal efforts.

Parthenium weed (Parthenium hysterophorus) is a highly invasive plant that spreads rapidly into agricultural land, roadsides, and grasslands,

“The plant can also cause allergic reactions, dermatitis and respiratory problems in humans, while negatively affecting livestock health,” it said.

According to MyBIS, invasive alien species disrupt natural ecosystems by competing with native species for resources, altering biodiversity and affecting ecosystem functions.

To strengthen monitoring and public awareness, NRES, through MyBIS, has developed the Invasive Alien Species portal, which provides information on species profiles, impacts, risk levels and management measures.

MyBIS said continuous monitoring and public awareness are crucial as the spread of invasive species can affect biodiversity, agriculture, the economy and public well-being.