Recently, fishermen in Penang had called for action to stop the introduction of the Gift (Genetically Improved Farmed Tilapia) as it would harm the local fish population.

The World Fish Center (WFC) which is responsible for producing this fish, however claims that this super tilapia is harmless to local fish. Who are we to believe? Our local fishermen or international scientists?

The chief minister of Penang is of the opinion that as long as the fish is not genetically engineered, it is alright. But is this really so?

The GIFT method of breeding tilapia basically treats the fingerlings with male hormones - testosterone - in order to convert them into males. The scientists from WFC claim that this is done in order to produce bigger fish at a faster rate. But is this the real reason for reversing the sex of these tilapia fish?

Imagine, feeding our young daughters with testosterone-fed fish. I am horrified. What could be the side effects? I wonder if our local fishery authorities know the origin of the male hormone that is being used by these scientists.

And as a concerned citizen, I would like to know if the fish is halal as it may have been genetically engineered, we can't be too sure? Unless, I have been taught bad science in school, I thought most female fish are bigger than the males anyway.

But perhaps, tilapia is an exception. But why choose tilapia in the first place? After all, the tilapia has always been likened to the rat. They eat plants, meat and even artificial things. Because they eat just about anything, they are a threat to the food supply for other fish.

It was recently reported that the tilapia had driven coral fish at Palau Island to extinction, causing great financial losses and an environmental catastrophe which triggered emergency culling efforts throughout the island. Need we say more? Will we ever learn?

Imagine a community of only male tilapia how would these fish handle natures' instinct for sexual interaction and propagation? Scientists who say that turning the tilapia population into an all-male one is harmless should produce scientific evidence to backup their claim. Show proof.

The WFC is aggressively promoting the culture of GIFT through deals made with developing country representatives via the GIFT Foundation. Their rationale is that it is a cheap source of protein to feed the poor in the south, and hence their expert recommendation is that developing countries should culture them.

I am however doubtful that this research organisation is doing all this with our interests at heart.