Compiled by C.ARUNO, DIVYA THERESA RAVI and R. ARAVINTHAN
FOR residents of Pantai Rusila in Terengganu, the arrival of the northeast monsoon brings more than rough seas and gloomy skies. It also signals the return of an eagerly awaited annual cockle harvest.
The seasonal phenomenon, which typically occurs around November, draws families, friends and villagers to the beach to collect the free seafood, Berita Harian reported.
Resident Abdullah Hassan, 50, however, said safety should remain a priority despite the excitement.
“Gathering cockles is seen as a form of entertainment during the monsoon season. However, we must not be negligent because safety is more important,” he said.
Abdullah said he makes the most of the annual occurrence by adding cockles to his family meals.
Another resident, Muhammad Afiq Izzuddin Suhaimi, 20, said the shellfish, which could cost over RM10 per kilo in the market, had appeared earlier than usual this year.
He said the activity was not just about collecting seafood, but also about enjoying the atmosphere and spending time with friends.
(The above articles are 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 a >, it denotes a separate news item.)
