KUCHING: The Northeast Monsoon has brought rainy days that often keep fishermen ashore, shifting their daily routines and prompting them to focus on other ways to sustain their livelihood.
With the unpredictable weather, some go out to sea at dawn and return hours later with uncertain catches while others rely on fishing in rivers or doing small land-based work just to get by.
For fishermen in Kampung Telaga Air, the government’s assistance has provided both support and reassurance as they plan for the coming months.
The aid has been a lifeline for 57-year-old Julai Dinselek, originally from Kampung Sibu Laut and now residing in Kampung Telaga Air.
“I am happy, very happy and thankful for the assistance. It is timely help that shows the government still cares about fishermen like me. It really makes me feel appreciated,” he told Sarawak Tribune.
He shared that the ongoing rainy season has made it hard for him to go out to sea, hence, Julai has been relying on fishing in the river to make ends meet.
“The weather is unpredictable. Some days I go out early in the morning and return by noon, while other days I fish through the night and only come back the next morning. But the effort does not always guarantee results,” he said.
He also expressed hope that Malaysian Fisheries Development Authority (LKIM) continues to support small-scale fishermen, particularly after facing delays in renewing his fishing license due to boat size requirements.
As for Zainuddin Kopon, 53, he said he felt relieved and grateful after receiving the assistance, describing it as a form of hope that helped ease his burden.
He added that fishing during the rainy season has been difficult as heavy rain often results in poor catches.
“When the rain is heavy, the catch is usually low. When the weather is good, that is our sustenance. So I feel relieved and thankful for the aid. I would like to thank the Madani government for giving us hope and helping to ease our burden,” he said.
He said that there is a clear difference between the rainy and dry seasons, with income dropping significantly during the monsoon period.
“During the rainy season, the income is much lower. On some days, it’s only about RM100 a day, and that is before fuel costs,” he added.
Zainuddin said the assistance was especially helpful, particularly with the provision of fishing equipment such as storage boxes and nets, which have become increasingly expensive.
He also highlighted the challenges of maintaining his ageing boat and engine during the rainy season.
“When the rain is heavy, it’s hard to look after the boat and engine. Sometimes I can’t even sleep at night because I have to stay awake to watch the boat, make sure it doesn’t drift and prevent water from entering,” he said.
He added that his fishing trips can take around five hours depending on the tides and returning in heavy rain is especially difficult.
Looking ahead, Zainuddin said he hopes assistance for fishermen will continue.
“I hope the aid will be ongoing. Support for boats and engines is the most important for us,” he said.
Meanwhile, Jabri Jaini, 62, from Kampung Samariang Batu, said the aid helped him prepare for the upcoming fishing season.
“I’m happy and thankful because it really helps to lighten my burden,” he said, adding that the fishing nets he received will be particularly useful when heading out to sea in March.
However, he said that they were still not enough.
“By March, I need more than 20 nets to go out to sea,” he said.
Jabri shared that during the monsoon season, it is almost impossible for him to go out to sea. For now, he said he is only preparing and standing by for March, when conditions are expected to improve.
“During the rainy season, we try to survive by doing land-based work to earn some income. Fishing in the river gives enough to get by, but going out to sea brings better income.
“If we depend too much on the river, it’s very difficult. The river is already polluted, there are fewer fish and the catch is small,” he said, adding that fish availability also depends on the season.
Jabri also said that his income is higher when he is able to go out to sea, compared to fishing in the river.
“There are seasons when I go to sea and seasons when I fish in the river, but going out to sea gives me better earnings,” he said.
