Festive Atmosphere At Pantai Klebang As Crowds Descend To Gather Abundance Of Cockles

MELAKA, Oct 18 (Bernama) -- The popular recreational spot, Pantai Klebang, has seen a dramatic change since last week, transforming into a festive atmosphere as crowds descend to gather cockles.

This lively scene emerged after social media was abuzz with posts highlighting the abundance of cockles on the shore, with people wading into the mudflats at low tide to hunt for them by hand, using scoops and nets.

The ‘festival’ of sorts has drawn people from all walks of life and the excitement is palpable, as no one who ventures into the mud returns empty-handed.

Besides the thrill of the hunt, the current high prices for cockles, reportedly between RM10 and RM18 per kg, have given locals a powerful incentive to gather their own.

A 29-year-old childcare provider, Roszana Johari from Kampung Sungai Putat, Batu Berendam, said she has visited the beach twice since Thursday to gather cockles after hearing about the phenomenon. 

"I was excited seeing the videos of so many cockles here and didn't want to miss the chance to collect some, especially as they are very expensive now. 

"All the cockles we found are fresh and plump. We can make various dishes throughout the week, like sambal kerang and rendang kerang," she told Bernama.

She added that just yesterday, after arriving at the beach at 7 am, she managed to collect over two kg using just a small scoop.

Another visitor, Salimah Taib, 44, from Tanjung Minyak, said she has been gathering cockles with several family members for the past three days.  

"The thrill of gathering cockles yourself is different from just buying them. Despite having to wade through the mud and getting our clothes dirty in the heat, we are grateful for such a good haul," she said.

Mariam Yahya, 50, from Sungai Hitam, Tanjung Kling, shared that she was willing to take a day off from her clothing business to join the cockle gathering, excited by the news of the abundant harvests.

"It's rare to see an atmosphere like this; you get so absorbed in it. Once you start searching, your scoop is suddenly full of cockles before you know it," she said.

Lem Swee Kee, 53, from Pokok Mangga, said that he and his 50-year-old wife, Gao Chun Yan, initially visited the beach simply to experience the 'cockle festival' after seeing it on social media, but ended up joining the crowds to gather some as well. 

Commenting on the phenomenon, state senior exco for Housing, Local Government, Drainage, Climate Change and Disaster Management, Datuk Rais Yasin, said that if the abundance of cockles persists over a longer period, the state government will explore potential promotional activities to develop it as a new tourist attraction. 

"Pantai Klebang is already a focal point for tourists every weekend and during long holidays. Should this phenomenon persist, we will explore what kind of tourism promotion we can develop around it," he said. 

Meanwhile, State Fisheries director Saufi Affandi Talib said that so far there have been no reports of poisoning from cockles collected at the beach.

He added, however, that although the cockles are believed to be safe for consumption, samples were taken for analysis yesterday. 

Advising the public to ensure the cockles are cooked thoroughly, he cautioned against eating them raw or undercooked. 

He further cautioned the public to prioritise their safety, highlighting the risks of navigating low tides and wading through deep mud.

"People must stay vigilant of the incoming tide to avoid life-threatening situations," he stressed.

-- BERNAMA