HISTORYKAGUM was the brainchild of a small group of anglers who were concerned about the dwindling fish resources in the rivers of our country. After some discussion via the Malaysia Fishing Net (MFN) forum, they decided to form an action group to help the country conserve, sustain and develop these valuable resources.
Thus, in February 2005, KAGUM was formed.
At the centre of attention is the kelah, arguably the most valuable resource for the sportfishing industry and also the jungle-based eco-tourism industry. In the process of conserving the kelah, the plight of other river fishes and the river basin itself would also be attended to.
OUR VISION
Toward Malaysia being a mature eco-tourism
destination, with well-managed rivers and conserved gamefishes,
especially the kelah.
Vision Rationale
• | The ultimate objective is for the country to be a desirable eco-tourism destination. |
• | Well-managed rivers include rivers, their basins/watersheds, impoundments and lakes. |
• | Conserving the kelah will invariably involve conserving other flora and fauna connected to the rivers, in particular other fish species. |
• | The KAGUM vision hints that we are a
group that tries to support the country (and thus it’s relevant
authorities and organisations) in making it an eco-tourism attraction
via river basins, sportfishing, and focusing on the kelah as the ultimate
game fish. We also support conservation and environment protection.
OBJECTIVES
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• | To build awareness among the Malaysian public and relevant organisations on the importance of conserving the kelah and its habitat. In the process, we will gather relevant knowledge, and disseminate and share the learnings. |
• | To initiate, participate and / or support relevant projects related to river and kelah conservation. |
• | To support relevant eco-tourism programs which are geared toward river and kelah conservation. |
• | To ensure that conservation or eco-tourism activities would involve and benefit local communities. |
WHY THE KELAH
This sport fish is seen by many Malaysian anglers as the most supreme sport fish in our rivers. It is a fish unique to our country and the region, and it represents the ultimate challenge to be pursued in beautiful natural surroundings. Now, both the fish and its beautiful environment is under threat.
Thus, the approach of KAGUM is to help Malaysia save our rivers and their fishes, with particular focus on the kelah.