FLOOD SEASON BRINGS WINDS OF FORTUNE FOR SUNGAI KINTA FISHERMEN

PASIR SALAK, Nov 30 (Bernama) -- The ongoing Northeast Monsoon has turned out to be a stroke of fortune for Sungai Kinta fishermen, allowing them to earn more than they normally do.

Since the water level in Sungai Kinta began to rise on Nov 25, the surrounding areas have once again come alive with fishing activities, with fishermen making frequent trips to check their traps or nets for the day’s catch.

Mohamad Rezuan Sabri, 32, said he and his father, Sabri Kachil, 61, had landed about 140 kilogrammes of various fish species, including lundu, baung, rohu, patin since the floods struck five days ago.

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“Alhamdulillah, we would never miss a chance like this. Even though the flooding doesn’t last long, it nearly doubles what we normally earn.

“My father and I go out on our boat every day from 8.00 am to 12.30 pm, travelling about 15 kilometres from Permatang Pelanduk Jetty to Kuala Sungai Kinta, just to catch bigger and more fish,” he told Bernama today.

Mohamad Rezuan said he placed traps and nets at several suitable spots to ensure each trip produced the best possible catch.

“We put bubu and nets in several spots along the riverbanks, where the fish usually find their food. We use bait such as oil palm fruit, coconut flesh, and fish meat,” he said.

Meanwhile, Sabri said that despite having more than 20 years of experience making a living on the river, each flood season posed its own challenges, requiring him to remain alert and cautious.

The father of five added that encountering wild animals, such as crocodiles, along with floating logs, was among the daily risks they faced.

“Whenever we encounter a crocodile, we make sure to stay away. The biggest danger for me is floating logs, as they can damage our boat and put our lives at risk,” he said.

The native of Labu Kubong, Teluk Intan, also said that the flood season enabled fishermen to learn how fish moved with the changing water levels, helping them improve their skills in choosing strategic fishing spots.

He said that whenever the water rose, fish tended to move from deep pools towards the banks, turning shallow areas into the prime spot that could not be missed.

“Apart from increasing our catch, this season allows us to share knowledge and techniques with other fishermen in the area. We sometimes exchange tips on the best spots to set traps or nets,” he said.

--BERNAMA