Nearly a decade after first encountering wild mahseer fish in a remote river in Kelantan, a local man has transformed the area into a thriving eco park dedicated to conserving the species and promoting sustainable ecotourism.
Azman Mustapha, 53, began his efforts in 2017 along Sungai Koh near Batu Mengkebang in Kuala Krai, where he noticed a few wild green mahseer—locally known as ikan kelah—swimming in the clear river. Over time, by consistently feeding the fish leftover rice during his visits to the riverbank, he developed their trust, a rare feat given the mahseer’s known sensitivity to human presence. Today, Azman estimates that hundreds of thousands of these fish, alongside other species, inhabit a nearly three-kilometer stretch of the river.
Recognizing the need to protect the mahseer’s natural habitat, Azman established FMC Kelah Eco Park in 2023 approximately 15 kilometers off the Kuala Krai-Kota Baru road. The park serves as both a conservation sanctuary and an ecotourism destination, drawing visitors nationwide who come to witness the extraordinary sight of thousands of wild green mahseer surfacing together during feeding times.
Azman said his relationship with the fish developed through patience, feeding them multiple times daily and gradually acclimating them to human presence. He stressed that maintaining the river’s clean, oxygen-rich water and surrounding forest is critical to the fish’s survival, citing threats from predators, erosion, and environmental degradation. Alongside the sanctuary, Azman has also established breeding ponds stocked with broodstock from external suppliers. Only farmed fish are sold commercially, while the wild population within the river remains protected.
Economic considerations also play a role in the initiative. Mahseer commands premium market prices ranging from RM250 to RM300 per kilogram, with larger specimens fetching up to RM400. Still, Azman prioritizes ecological health over commercial gain, emphasizing the importance of a balanced relationship between conservation and development.
The park has attracted academic interest, particularly from Universiti Malaysia Kelantan’s Institute for Poverty Research and Management (UMK Inspek). The institute views FMC Kelah Eco Park as a model linking environmental conservation with rural economic development. UMK Inspek director Dr. Ahmad Fahme Mohd Ali said their role includes supporting entrepreneurship training, capacity building, and securing funding to bolster the park’s sustainability while maximizing benefits for the local community.
Dr. Nur Ida Fatihah Che Shalifullizam, senior lecturer at UMK’s Faculty of Hospitality, Tourism and Wellness, highlighted the potential of nature-based tourism to create employment across sectors such as accommodation, food services, and local enterprises. She noted the eco park’s success in preserving biodiversity while generating economic opportunities for residents through community-based services and local product sales.
Despite FMC Kelah Eco Park’s growing appeal, Azman acknowledged ongoing challenges, including the need for improved infrastructure such as electricity, accommodation, and road access. To date, the park’s development has relied solely on his personal funds. He expressed hope that government support could accelerate progress but remained firm that any expansion must prioritize the integrity of the river’s ecosystem.
“If this river is damaged, the fish will disappear,” Azman said. “And when the fish are gone, everything we’ve built over the past nine years will disappear with them.”