KABONG: Ngoang or mang is said to be sustenance behind the heavy rains, which are certainly anticipated by the locals here.
After all, every time it rains heavily all night, then in the morning the residents will party as early as 4 am.
As for the people of Kampung Perpat, Kabong in the early morning many of them will go down to the river (or ditch) to catch ngoang, a type of exotic food popularly known as Sarawak lobster.
Imagine that the residents can harvest up to 100 kilograms of ngoang after it rains the whole night.
In some areas it is called mang but next to Batang Saribas, Kalaka and its surroundings, it is called ngoang.
Its scientific name is Thalassina Anomala, also known as scorpion mud lobster, which is a crustacean species in the Thalassinidae family.
According to the headman of Kampung Perpat Azman Nawi, it has become a common practice when it rains heavily all night like last Thursday night, the residents will be ready as early as 4 am.
“So in Kampung Perpat early this morning (yesterday), the residents seemed to be partying on the banks of the river.
“There is no need for special equipment. If the ngoang emerges (climbing the cliff), it is immediately caught using the hands.
“The atmosphere is really lively because everyone doesn’t want to give up and even small children will participate.
“Perhaps they feel happy to see the yields obtained. If all are collected, I am sure we can reach 100 kilograms of ngoang to catch that morning alone,” he said when contacted by Suara Sarawak, yesterday.
The mud lobsters in question are often found when it rains heavily, obviously, because it is believed that they cannot withstand too cold an environment.
One more thing he said, the presence of ngoang is not seasonal.
“As long as it rains heavily, God willing, there will be ngoang. If there is no rain, there is usually no or not much.
“And why do people rush to take ngoang is because of its delicious filling and eggs, plus its nutrients that are suitable for people with asthma or fatigue.
“Like myself, I like it cooked in stir-fry, soy sauce or sauce. There are also those who just like it boiled.
“If I can describe it, it tastes like crab filling and the egg is almost like a turtle egg,” he said.
Azman added that the ngoang obtained for one day sold like hot cakes that it was sold out in Kampung Perpat alone.
Now, ngoang is sold for between RM5 and RM7 per kilogram.
According to him, ngoang can be farmed if there is muddy land by the river with the condition that the river water is salty.
