Raging Waves, Mullets Await: The Struggle Of Bachok Fishermen

By Mustaqim Khairuddin

BACHOK, Dec 28 (Bernama) -- The monsoon season, marked by towering waves and turbulent seas, has never dampened the fighting spirit of the fishermen here.

When the sea becomes too rough for them to venture out, mullet fishing with nets becomes their sole means of survival.

Along the coastline of Bachok, battered by powerful waves from the South China Sea, local fishermen view mullet fishing as a source of pride and a symbol of resilience.

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“Scooping mullets is more than a job; it’s a cherished tradition. Since childhood, I’ve watched my father and grandfather face towering waves to bring in their catch. Their perseverance has been a profound inspiration, even though I understand the challenges involved.

"It takes years of training and perseverance to master it," said Suhairan Mohamed, 42, a fisherman from Kampung Pangkalan Baru told Bernama.  

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According to Suhairan, mullet fishing demands more than mere skill, noting that fishermen need keen eyesight to detect fish movements from over 100 meters away and the courage to endure the powerful waves pounding the shoreline.

“Mullets are often found in foamy waters mixed with clay carried by the waves, and only the bravest are rewarded with fruitful catches in these challenging conditions.

“We start work as early as 8 am and finish around 6 pm. Each day, we manage to catch between 10 to 30 kilogrammes (kg) of mullet.  Some of the fish we catch are given to our families, while the rest are sold at RM5 per kg to local traders or residents,” he shared.

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This mullet fishing activity is distinctive, as it can only be carried out on gentle, erosion-free beaches, such as the stretch from Pantai Kemasin to Pantai Sungai Gali, spanning approximately 50 kilometres.

"One of the biggest risks is the whirlpool areas along the beach, where mullets often gather. If we're not careful, it can be life-threatening. We need to know the exact location of the whirlpools to avoid any unwanted incidents," said Zulaiman Mat Ail, 53, a fisherman from Pantai Kemasin.

 Despite the high risks—whether falling into the whirlpools or being struck by large waves—the fishermen of Bachok remain undaunted, as this activity ensures their families' survival during the monsoon season.

-- BERNAMA