SUNGAI JAWI, AN ANGLER'S HAVEN GETS BOOST FROM SUNGAI BAKAP BY-ELECTION

By Lucia Terey Anak John

NIBONG TEBAL, July 3 (Bernama) -- Since 8 am, Changkat Fishermen's Jetty in Sungai Jawi, situated between Sungai Bakap and Jawi state constituencies, has been bustling with a continuous stream of cars entering its premises.

These fishing enthusiasts from all around including Sungai Bakap, eager to satisfy their urge to fish.

Mohamad Shafie A. Rahim, head of the Changkat Fishermen Unit, highlighted the rich marine resources around the jetty, especially near Sungai Udang fish cages, which are familiar fishing grounds dubbed 'paradise' for various fish species like sea bass, red snapper and snapper on the northern side.

He said that this abundance also provides opportunities for local residents and the fishermen association to develop agro-tourism industry, including offering boat rental services to anglers.

"We (Changkat Fishermen's Association) have been providing boat rental services for the past 10 years. Starting with just two boats, we now have around 30 boats, making it a steady source of income for us (fishermen)," he said in a recent interview with Bernama.

According to Mohamad Shafie, the boats are typically rented out for between RM300 to RM380 per day, depending on their size, each capable of accommodating four to six people.

"Bookings for the boats increase at the beginning and end of the Islamic calendar month, typically between the 5th to 12th and 18th to 25th days, considered auspicious for fishing outings.

"The boats depart as early as 8 am and return by 5 pm. Night fishing is prohibited due to rough sea conditions and fishing is restricted to a radius of approximately three kilometres from the jetty," said Shafie, who has previously worked at a nearby factory.

Shafie added that anglers from Sungai Bakap who seek their livelihood in the area sell their catch in nearby villages or at the Sungai Udang Jetty Market. However, if the catch is not substantial, they take it home for personal consumption.

"Sungai Bakap isn't far from here (Changkat), just about seven kilometres away. It's not surprising for them to come here, even though they have their own river resources like freshwater prawns," he added.

Meanwhile, angler Shamsudin Omar, 56, who was interviewed by Bernama, expressed his willingness to travel from Gombak, Selangor, to experience fishing in the area, which is known to satisfy every angler's desire.

"I found out about this fishing spot from a YouTuber who is also an angler. So, a few days ago, I discussed with friends to try our luck here. Today (Monday), we finally arrived with various supplies, including bait using small prawns," he said.

Sungai Bakap, one of three state constituencies in the Nibong Tebal parliamentary constituency, has been a focal point in recent weeks due to the upcoming by-election on July 6 following the passing of the state assemblyman, Nor Zamri Latiff, on 24 May due to stomach inflammation.

The by-election sees Pakatan Harapan (PH) candidate Dr. Joohari Ariffin battling against Nibong Tebal PAS vice chairman, Abidin Ismail, representing Perikatan Nasional (PN), in a straight fight.

-- BERNAMA