Credit: Bagajo Kananbana Limo / Facebook |
Empurau or Tor Tambroides, is considered to be the most expensive freshwater fish in Malaysia and is only found in the rivers of Sarawak, mainly in the Kapit and Hulu Rajang areas. Also known as the “King of the River”, this fish has a high commercial value and can cost from RM800 to RM1,500 per kg. It could also reach up to RM2,000 per kg according to its size and where it was caught. |
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In Chinese, it is also called “Wang Bu Liao”, which means unforgettable, mainly because of its superior taste and of course, hefty price tag.
The fish is actually a type of Mahseer fish or Ikan Kelah, as the Peninsular Malaysians call it. Kelah fishes are mainly found in India, Thailand, Indonesia and Malaysia but the most expensive ones are thought to come from the rivers of Borneo Island, such as the Rajang, Baleh, Baram, Katibas and Balui rivers. |
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