Japanese Carps in Taiping

Adoption Scheme for 30,000 Japanese Carp

By RASLAN BAHAROM WEDNESDAY August 28, 2002 THE STAR

ADOPTION COUPON... (Ang, seated centre) holding up the redeemable coupon which entitles the bearer to adopt three Japanese carp, in Taiping yesterday. He is flanked by state exco member Datuk Ho Cheng Wang (left) and Taiping MCA Wanita chief Chuah Seok Puay while division Youth chief Raymond Chan (standing) holds a map of the Lake Garden.

TAIPING: The scenic Taiping Lake Garden here will be home to some 30,000 Japanese carp under an adoption scheme mooted by the Taiping MCA division.

The scheme, to be launched by MCA president Datuk Seri Dr Ling Liong Sik on Oct 13, is expected to be registered in the Malaysia Book of Records for the most number of Japanese carp released for breeding.

Under the plan, the public can adopt three cross-breed Japanese carp via the purchase of a RM10 coupon. Students can buy the coupons at RM5 each.

"The coupon will also enable the holder to enter Taiping Zoo at a 50% discount," organising chairman Ang Lee Kaw told a press conference yesterday.

Ang said only cross-breed Japanese carp measuring between 5cm and 10cm, to ensure a better survival rate, would be released into the 8.2ha West Lake, the largest among the four lakes at the Lake Garden. The others are South Lake (3.2ha), Jungle Lake (3.8ha), and Swan Lake (1.1ha).

He said a preliminary study by the Fisheries Department showed that the lake could accommodate about 50,000 of such carp and that the release of the fish would not jeopardise the lake's eco-system or make any significant impact on the ecology.

Ang said the committee was liaising with the managing director of the Malaysia Book of Records, Datuk Danny Ooi, to record their effort.

"The Fisheries Department had confirmed that the largest number of fish released at one location to date was on 17,000," he said.

He also said that a cross-breed was put up for adoption as genuine Japanese carp could cost between RM100 and RM1,000 each.

Ang expected the launching of the adoption scheme to attract world attention as the National Geographic's eco-challenge would also be flagged off from the Lake Garden on the same day.

He said the scheme was launched to enhance public awareness about the importance of safeguarding the environment around the Lake Garden.