Bountiful shrimp season of big bucks to fishermen

MIRI: The shrimp season is back again this year and fishermen are going out to sea in droves to catch the local delicacy, ‘Semuan’.

The local shrimp is in high demand by the local community where the plentiful Semuan is sold as a tasty ingredient for cooking – which means big bucks for fishermen.

According to Abu Mop, 53, who hails from Kampung Muhibbah in Kuala Baram, he managed to catch eight trays of Semuan which were sold at RM 8 per kg on Sunday.

“The Semuan season is back again and it’s extra income for fishermen here,” Abu told The Borneo Post at his fish stall at Kampung Batu 2 along Jalan Lutong-Kuala Baram yesterday afternoon.

According to Abu, he is taking the opportunity to swoop in on shrimps as the bountiful season promises ample catch for all.

He said his wife Jiha Abdullah and his family members help to sell his haul at their stall.

Abu said yesterday’s catch was seven trays of Semuan and the shrimps sold like hot cakes to regulars who patronise his stall.

The Semuan was sold at a decent RM5 per kg, thanks to the good outings.

He said at peak season, he can earn as much as RM400 to RM600 a day.

The windfall, he said, will balance out the poor catch in the last few months due to the monsoonal season of rough seas.

“This is the time for fishermen and part-timers to work extra hours to capitalise on the high demand for Semuan,” he said.

A housewife Jiha Abdullah said, “We hope the shrimp season will stretch on to give extra income for fishermen here. I’m helping my husband to sell his catch at the stall while he goes out to sea.”

According to Siti Haidah, 19, the Semuan season is also like the ‘Bubuk’ season when many costumers flock to them for fish and Semuan.

She said their customers are normally locals from Lutong, Permjaya and Miri while Bruneians on the Miri shopping trail also dropped by.

Another fisherman Omar Wasle said realistically, the shrimp season will last no longer than three weeks to a month from now.

He admitted that fishermen can reap up to RM1,000 a week after deductions for engine fuel and other expenses.

A fisherman’s wife Jiha Abdullah (from left) smiling at the windfall of Semuan, helped by Siti Haidah at their fish stall in Batu 2, Lutong-Kuala Baram road yesterday afternoon.