THE arrival of velvet tamarind season has provided a side income for Mohd Nasri Yusof, Utusan Malaysia reported.
The 64-year-old from Kampung Gunung in Hulu Terengganu said the rare fruit, which comes into season from October to November, is in high demand not only in Terengganu but also in Penang and Kedah.
For the past 30 years, Mohd Nasri and his family find and pick the fruits.
“When the season comes, some 10 to 15 family members and I go to the orchard of an old friend in Hulu Dungun to pick the fruits. There are about 10 velvet tamarind trees inside the orchard with a lot of fruits,” he said.
During the season, they are able to collect between 15kg and 20kg of fruits. The fruits are then dried for three days to ensure they last longer and don’t get spoiled.“The fruits are eaten by squeezing them out of their pods. They taste sweet and sour. The preserved ones can last up to two years and be used in cooking,” he said.
> In the past, driftwood was considered trash, but it is now like a blessing that rolls in unexpectedly.
Syahril Azuan Salleh sells driftwood in Langkawi which he collects after a big storm or big waves wash them to the shore, Harian Metro reported.
“There are so many of them in different shapes and sizes that just end up along the coast of Pantai Chenang. I will look at their sizes and those hardened ones with unique shapes. I will collect them and bring the driftwood to be made into handicrafts,” said the Selangor native who migrated to Langkawi in 1993.
Syahril Azuan initially opened a boat repair shop in Langkawi while indulging in his marble carving and painting hobbies. He also opened a food business due to the number of tourists on the island. However, the various shapes and sizes of driftwood piqued his interest even more.
“Ever since I found one in the shape of a swordfish, I never looked back as I continue to explore this artwork more seriously,” he said.
● The above article is compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with this ' >'sign, it denotes a separate news item.
