Semenyih, Selangor, July 24, 2025 – Universiti Putra Malaysia (UPM) once again demonstrated its active role in community engagement through the implementation of a Community Service program entitled “Control of Ikan Bandaraya” held in Kampung Pasir Baru, Semenyih, Selangor. The activity involved the active participation of UPM students and academic staff, particularly two students from Diponegoro University participating in the Student Go International program, along with local residents concerned about maintaining the balance of the village’s aquatic ecosystem.
The program aimed to raise public awareness about the negative impacts of ikan bandaraya (Pterygoplichthys sp.), educate the community on control techniques and possible utilization of this invasive species, and foster collaboration between universities and communities in environmental conservation.
According to Dr. Mamat Hamidi Kamaludin, Head of Laboratory at the Institute of Tropical Agriculture and Food Security (ITAFoS), Faculty of Agriculture, Universiti Putra Malaysia, ikan bandaraya is an invasive species that threatens the survival of native aquatic fauna and damages local freshwater ecosystems.
“This program is not only educational but also aims to create long-term, community-based solutions for managing harmful alien species,” he said.
The community service activity included counseling sessions, open discussions with residents, and demonstrations of environmentally friendly techniques for capturing ikan bandaraya.
The initiative was positively welcomed by the residents of Kampung Pasir Baru, who expressed their hopes that similar activities could be carried out regularly in the future.
This program reflects UPM’s mission to contribute to sustainable development while bringing knowledge closer to society in tangible ways.
