Crab island turning to tourism

PULAU Ketam Village is no stranger to seafood lovers and those who want to indulge in a tranquil getaway.

The quaint fishing village is located off the coast of Klang, Selangor, near the mouth of Klang River, along with its neighbour Kampung Bagan Sungai Lima New Village.

About 40 minutes ferry ride from Port Klang, one can see mangrove swamps, fishing boats and fish farms along the journey.

Houses perched on wooden and concrete stilts resembling a floating village comes into sight as the ferry slowly approaches the island’s jetty.

The locals use bicycles and electric bikes along narrow walkways and boats here to get to the neighbouring island or Port Klang. There are no cars in sight.

Concrete and wooden pathways connect the houses and commercial areas, which is a great treat for walking enthusiasts to experience simple living and explore significant features such as the temples and community halls.

Part of the daily catch are made into local produce such as dried shrimps and salted fish.

According to Pulau Ketam village community security and development committee (JKKK) chairman Chia Mong Chun, Pulau Ketam was founded more than 130 years ago.

“The island was home to mangrove swamps and crabs before it was developed into a fishing village.

“It was discovered by three Hainan fishermen who went to and from Port Klang to capture crabs for a living.

“The tiring daily trips made them decide to stay permanently on the island,” said Chia, adding that was how the place got its name for the abundance of crabs on shore, which translates as Crab Island.

Between 1945 and 1947, the Teochew and Hokkien Chinese fled from China during the war to Pulau Ketam, seeking shelter and a safe place for their families, Chia said.

“The men came and settled down first before bringing their families along.

The village is a great place for those who like walking to experience simple living and explore significant features such as the temples and community halls.

“As they were already into the fishing industry in Southern China, it didn’t take them long to adapt to the new environment as they once again started their daily fishing activities,” said the 60-year-old, whose father resided on the island since more than 70 years ago and was a former chairman.

At that time, there were no individual houses but only wooden “Kongsi Rumah” (Sharing House), where everyone stayed together and carried out daily routines such as mending fishing nets and boats.

In 1985, the population increased to 20,000. However, when the new Fisheries Act was implemented, many locals left to seek other opportunities and some started the fish farming industry.

“The fish farms seen along the way from Port Klang towards Pulau Ketam are run by locals and also investors from other places,” explained Chia, adding that it costs about RM3mil to start a fish farm.

Compared to the traditional method of fishing by using sail boats, the fishing industry improved after the introduction of engines and speedboats.

Concrete and wooden pathways connect the houses and other commercial lots in Pulau Ketam Village.

The once wooden ferries were upgraded to air-conditioned ferries as the island started to flourish into the tourism industry in 2000.

Today, the village revolves around fishing, with a population of nearly 6,000 and about 1,100 houses.

“Hokkien Chinese and Teochew Chinese make up most of the population which include a few Hainan families, while 80% of the villagers are fishermen.

“The rest are running small businesses including homestays, convenience stores and restaurants to accommodate the growing number of tourists,” said Chia.

Local fishermen go out to the sea at dawn and return in the evening, and many are often seen mending their boats or fishing nets during low tide.

He added that spanish mackerel, barramundi and pomfrets were among the main catch.

A repair store for bicycles and electric bikes at Pulau Ketam Village.

While crabs are popular, Chia pointed out that over-catching of crabs has resulted in the decline of the crab population, which included the green, red and flower crabs.

The daily catch is transported to local markets including Klang, Kuala Lumpur and even exported to Singapore, while some are made into local produce such as dried shrimps and salted fish.

Pulau Ketam Village is a paradise for seafood lovers as restaurants serve daily fresh catches in various dishes.

With all the basic amenities available such as clinics, police station, post office, schools and banks, the village is pretty much self-sufficient.

The villagers from Kampung Bagan Sungai Lima New Village often travel to Pulau Ketam by boat for banking needs as well as to seek medical assistance.

“There is one secondary school with more than 400 students and two primary schools each comprising more than 280 and 130 students,” said Chia, adding that some secondary students were from Kampung Bagan Sungai Lima New Village.

Life in Pulau Ketam is idyllic compared to city life.

Chia further explained that a voluntary firefighting organisation was formed by the villagers in 1972 after a fire in 1967 and 1972, which burned down 350 houses and over 80 shoplots.

“It made a big difference and reduced the number of property loss,” said Chia, citing an example from an incident from previous months that damaged three to four houses.

Chia said that every fishing village was facing a reduction in population as the younger generation were slowly leaving the village in search of better prospects.

“Over the years, our generation started to prioritise education to find secure careers,” he said.

The villagers are diversifying into businesses like homestays, tour agencies and restaurants.

Visitors can opt for either the speed boat or the ferry to get to the island, which are both available at Terminal Penumpang South Port in Port Klang.

The earliest ferry at 8.45am departs from the terminal to Kampung Bagan Sungai Lima New Village before stopping at Pulau Ketam village and back to Port Klang.