Some 888 grass carps were released into Bedok Reservoir on Saturday morning by grassroots leaders and Aljunied GRC MPs, led by Foreign Affairs Minister George Yeo.

The event also featured lion dance stunt performances.

It is part of celebrations to mark the seventh day of the Lunar New Year or "Ren Ri" which in Mandarin translates to "everybody's birthday".

The Chinese believe that the act of releasing of fish signifies new life.

But there is also a practical reason for choosing this species - grass carps can help remove aquatic weeds.

However, not just any kind of fish can be released into reservoirs.

The Public Utilities Board said fish, turtles and other animals could upset the ecological balance.

The 800 residents also learnt about the environment and water resources from an exhibition. - CNA/ch