KUALA TERENGGANU: Fishermen in Terengganu are lying low following the arrival of the tropical storm Pabuk, which had lashed the state’s coastline with rain and powerful wind.
The fishermen however, said that traditionally, they do not go out to sea during the monsoon season, and the presence of the storm has firmed up the decision.
One fisherman, Tuan Muda Tuan Hassan, 67, from Chendering, said it is the norm for fishermen in the East Coast to rest during the monsoon given the uncertain weather and massive waves.
“Normally, we only get to go out to sea around two to three times a week. We also only get to spend around five to six hours before we have to return to shore.
“The last time most of us went out to sea was last Friday. The Pabuk tropical storm isn’t that big a factor; it just means that we’ll have to wait longer ashore,” said Tuan Muda, who has been a fisherman for 50 years.
Another fisherman, Alwi Jusoh, 56, said they were informed of the storm in the East Coast. He said he himself has not been out to sea for almost a week due to the poor weather.
“Based on our estimation, it looks like many of us, especially those with small boats, will have to wait longer until the seas become calmer,” he said when met at the Chendering jetty here on Wednesday.
Meanwhile, Terengganu disaster management committee secretariat, Left Col Che Adam Abd Rahman of the state Civil Defence Department, said they have not received any reports of untoward incidents related to the storm.
He said checks in several locations in Marang and outlying districts showed strong wind along the coastline, with waves as high as two-metres.
He said such weather conditions are hazardous for small boats. He advised all activities at sea and along the beach to be postponed to avoid any untoward incidents.
He said the department will also monitor the weather along the coastline so it can provide early warning to those by the coastline in the event of inclement weather.