TUMPAT: The arrival of the North-East Monsoon doesn’t always see fishermen retreating to the shore.

       For villagers of Kampung Sri Tujoh here, it is fish galore and time to cast their fishing nets when the sluice gates are opened following heavy rains during the monsoon season.

       Villager Zakaria Mamat, 52, said each year the monsoon season brings a bountiful harvest of fish such as keli, sepat and patin, as an alternative source of income.

       “Since Wednesday, after the gates were opened to prevent flooding and allowed water to flow out to Sungai Tapang and into the sea, villagers have been busy fishing at various spots in the village.

       “It is a good time to fish when the gates are opened as there will be an abundance of supply. Yesterday alone we managed to catch a fair amount of toman, keli, sepat and patin,” he told Bernama when met at the village here yesterday.

       Zakaria, who works as a labourer, said it was important to know the proper fishing technique to take advantage of the abundant supply.

       “As soon as the gates are opened, the water will flow out rapidly forming vortexes, so there is no point casting your nets when this is happening.

       “As the vortexes begin to slow down, bubbles will appear, and for those who are experienced, this is the right time to cast their fishing nets,” said Zakaria, who was delighted with his catch.

       Despite the fishing frenzy, Zakaria said it was important to be cautious and remain alert to prevent any untoward incidents during the monsoon.

       Earlier, the Malaysian Meterological Department announced that heavy rains are expected in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang and Johor from November until early January, following the transition of the North-East Monsoon, which is expected to begin from Nov 3 until March next year.