SIBU: The population of Empurau in the upper reaches of Batang Rajang continues to decline, driving up its market value and earning it the reputation as the most expensive freshwater fish in Malaysia.
Retiree Munan Laja, 63, ventured into Empurau farming in 2014 with the aim of making the prized fish more accessible to consumers while keeping prices affordable.
He sells farmed Empurau weighing more than 3kg for between RM500 and RM600 per kg each. Those caught from the natural habitat fetch RM600 per kg and above and RM850 per kg for those with the weight exceeding 4kg.
He doesn’t sell empurau weighing less than 1kg as “they have no value.”
Munan said his pricing was reasonable, considering the fish requires five to seven years to reach maturity. It is by the way, a slow-growing freshwater fish.
“My six ponds in Sungai Assan are maintained under strict hygienic conditions, with oxygen supplied through a pumping system around the clock. I also have a standby generator in the event of a power outage,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
The fish are mainly fed carrots and engkabang (illipe nuts), although he considers carrots to be the better feed as they help remove toxins from the fish.
“At one time, I had about 800 Empurau in my ponds, but the number has now dropped to between 400 and 500,” he said.
Demand for his Empurau is particularly strong during the Chinese New Year celebration. The fish is affectionately known among the Chinese community as “wang bu liao”, meaning “unforgettable”.
Munan believes the fish’s auspicious Chinese name, coupled with its rarity, makes it a popular choice among affluent diners during the festive season.
Empurau is best prepared by steaming to preserve its naturally sweet flavour and rich, creamy texture.
Apart from Empurau, Munan also breeds Tengadak, another highly prized freshwater fish.
“I have partisan the ponds to rear Tengadak. My selling price is RM250 each for those 1kg and above,” he said.
He shared that wild Tengadak can weigh more than 1.8kg, while pond-reared one can generally grow to a maximum of about 1.5kg.
