Nearly 300 kilograms of ikan baung, a type of yellow catfish weighing between one and two kilograms each, have been introduced into Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya ahead of the upcoming Petaling Jaya Joran 2026 (PJ Joran) fishing competition. The stocking aims to enhance fish availability and provide a more engaging and challenging experience for anglers participating in the event.

Petaling Jaya deputy mayor Sharinaz Samsudin officiated the fish release ceremony and emphasized that the initiative serves a dual purpose: augmenting fish stock for the competition and enriching the overall recreational appeal for participants. Now in its eighth year, the competition is organised by the Petaling Jaya City Council (MBPJ) and will take place on September 20 from 8:30 a.m. to 12:30 p.m.

This year’s event will span three lakes, giving participants a broader selection of fishing locations and strategies. Besides Tasik Bandaran Kelana Jaya, which is home to a diverse range of fish species including patin, jelawat, toman, belida, koi, kap rumput, ikan raja, tilapia, keli, and haruan, the other two lakes will also be open to competitors.

Sharinaz highlighted the potential for PJ Joran to grow into a significant annual recreational event, drawing anglers not only from the state of Selangor but from across Malaysia. She noted that increased visitor turnout could stimulate the local economy through sales at kiosks and food stalls during the competition.

The event features a total prize pool of RM21,000, with the champion set to receive RM7,000. The runner-up and third-place winners will be awarded RM2,000 and RM1,000 respectively. Prizes will also be distributed among participants placing fourth to 100th to encourage wider participation.

Registration for the competition costs RM60 per rod, with a maximum of two hooks allowed per rod. Early registration will be held on September 19 from 3 p.m. to 7 p.m., and registration on the day of the event will open from 6:30 a.m. to 8:30 a.m. The organisers have prepared 400 T-shirts for early registrants and are aiming to attract at least 400 participants, though previous editions have seen up to 700 anglers take part.

Deputy mayor Sharinaz also reminded participants to prioritise health and safety precautions amid ongoing haze conditions. The event is being held in collaboration with OAG Worldwide Sdn Bhd and Abu Garcia Fishing, with support from the Selangor Fisheries Department and MBPJ’s Community Development Department.

For more information, interested parties can contact the Petaling Jaya City Council at the listed phone numbers.