A preliminary study on the fish community in two rural lakes in Bumbung Lima, Kepala Balas
was conducted from May 2003 to November 2003. Species abundance and composition
were affected by various factors such as water quality, encroaching of aquatic vegetation
and human activities at the study sites. A total of 28 fish species from 10 families were
recorded during the study period. Cyprinidae was the dominant family while Puntius
schwanenfeldii and P. gonionotus were the most widespread species identified. Socioeconomic
studies which include human activities in Bumbung Lima area were reviewed.
Field survey using questionnaires have been carried out in an attempt to obtain information
on socio-demographic status of the study sites. Results showed that over one-third of the
heads of households in Bumbung Lima depended on agriculture for their living which was
36.25% followed by 27.5% were government servants. In terms of education, majority of
respondents received their level of education only until secondary school, which was
accounted for 50% of overall education. Regarding monthly income, about one-third of the
respondent earned below than RM 400 per month (33.75%). Only 18.75% of the
respondents obtained a salary above RM 1000 per month, which was comparatively small
and thus form only a minor portion of total respondents
