KUALA KRAI: Fishing with nets during the monsoon season for freshwater fish such as haruan (snakehead), catfish, puyu (climbing perch) and sepat (freshwater gourami fish) in the river and flooded padi fields is a popular activity among fishing enthusiasts.
To some, it provides a source of income, especially the fishermen and rubber tappers who could not continue with their regular job due to the rainy season.
A trader, Marliana Mat Zin,46, said her shop had run out of fishing nets due to the high demand for the fishing nets.
"When the monsoon season arrives, many people come to buy fishing nets because residents, especially fishing enthusiasts, take advantage of the flooded padi fields, besides fishing in the river and swampy areas, to catch freshwater fish.
"Alhamdulillah, the sale of fishing nets is brisk," she told Bernama when met at her shop today.
She said the price of the fishing is between RM12 to RM45 each depending on the type, size and length.
"I usually place an order with my suppliers three or four months before the monsoon season," she said.
Meanwhile, a worker at a fish net shop near Kota Bharu, Ahmad Akhyar Salahudin, 24, said the demand for nets also depends on the season.
Fishing nets are very popular during the monsoon season, while shrimp or crab nets are in demand in August and September, he added.
"These nets also come in different designs," he said, adding that the price at his shop ranges from RM25 to RM180.
Checks by Bernama revealed that many residents had set up fishing nets near their homes, such as in padi fields and rivers in Kuala Krai and Kota Baru. – BERNAMA