MUKAH: The hot weather that hit Sarawak recently has proven to be a boon to coastal fishermen in Muara Lassa and Kuala Rajang.
The fishermen from Rajang, Belawai, Pulau Bruit and Kuala Matu have made a lot of profits by landing more varieties of catches than usual.
Ali Sahri, 45, from Kuala Matu said although the extreme heat limited their activities during the day, they still had the opportunity to look for fish and shrimps by going out to sea at dawn.
“But we are thankful that it is now the season of “Ikan Lumek” (Harrpodon Nehereus), pomfret and prawns. Thus, we must go out to the sea at night and come home the next day,” he said.
According to Ali, the market prices are good, with prawns fetching RM5 to RM6 per kg, fresh and dried Ikan Lumek RM3 to RM38 per kg and pomfret RM22 per kg.
“Every day, the fishermen can land a minimum of 100 to 150 kg of various kinds of fish and this can make up for their losses during the monsoon season,” he said.
As for the fishermen in Kuala Rajang, the Sarawak government’s proactive steps to set up an artificial reef along the coast of Belawai have helped them a lot.
Penghulu Belawai Adenan Gos acknowledged that the fishermen’s catches had increased after the reef ball programme was implemented last year.
Apart from “Ikan Garut-Garut’, several other species of fish are being caught like “Ompak”, “Ikan Jan” and “Pari”.
“In fact, some fish like “Ikan Terubuk” are rarely caught in these waters. This reef seems to bring good fortune to our fishermen and for that, I thank the Sarawak government.
“I am confident that through the state government’s efforts, Belawai fishermen will also have the opportunity to generate extra income by bringing anglers to the area for recreational purposes,” he added.
In the meantime, more than 600 artificial reefs have been put in place for about 30 kilometres in the Belawai waters up to Paloh waters since September 8, 2018.
