GEORGE TOWN – When the rehabilitation of the century-old canal in the Sia Boey heritage enclave here made the news in 2018, little did Penang authorities know it would become so popular to the point that a massive clean-up would be required.
The canal, teeming with fish, has drawn crowds keen to feed them – and much litter.
Komtar assemblyman Teh Lai Heng today urged the public not to feed the fish or release new species into the canal, as this will disrupt the ecosystem.
The state spent RM18,500 for a major clean-up from October 27 to November 19 at the site, now named the Sia Boey Urban Archaeological Park.
A high-pressure water gun and brushes were used to remove thick grime and algae from the canal’s base and sides, while fish waste and other sludge were removed manually.
Some 900 tilapia, 250 koi, eight silver catfish, four catfish and two tortoises had to be removed prior to the clean-up works, which saw the canal disinfected before it was refilled with water.
Some 120 fish were released back into the canal today, and 200 more will be reintroduced in the near future.
The canal’s pipes and bio-filter chambers were also cleaned, and its filtration system serviced.
George Town World Heritage Inc general manager Ang Ming Chee said the algae in the canal is sufficient food for the fish.
Feeding them only leads to more excrement, and faster inbreeding and overpopulation, she said.
Originally part of Sg Prangin, the waterway was canalised in 1804.
In 1941, the Japanese bombed the canal, after which the site was revived as a trading area. A fire broke out in 1999, destroying 40 stalls at its market.
A project to revive the Sia Boey area started in 2015, which led to the rejuvenation effort three years later.
Communications and collaborations manager Josephine Jalleh told The Vibes that events are usually held at the Victorian iron-cast structure next to the canal.
Due to Covid-19, many programmes have been cancelled, and the last function held at the site was before the implementation of the movement control order in March. – The Vibes, December 7, 2020
