MARANG: Last seen over 50 years ago, sea snails of the margistrombus species, also known as sikad-sikad in Sabah, are making a return at Pantai Rusila near Kampung Rhu Dua here.
Brought in by the monsoon waves, their succulent flesh, as well as beautiful shells have been enticing people to flock to the beach to collect them.
Kamariah Mohammad, 64, said the reappearance of the sea snails had brought back childhood memories of eating the rare delicacy, which could be used to make many delicious dishes.
"Most people who come here are not selling the sea snails because they want to taste them. Some even shared the sea snails with villagers here," said Kamariah, who lives nearby.
Another villager, Muhammad Nasaruddin Ramli, 26, said he gathered almost 7kg of the sea snails after searching for three hours.
"I collected about 3kg of the sea snails yesterday (Friday). My family said the
sea snails were delicious in dishes like gulai masak lemak (cooked with coconut milk) and masak tumis serai (stir-fried with lemongrass).
"I plan to give some to my relatives and neighbours," said Muhammad, who had never seen the sea snails before.
SK Seberang Marang teacher El Gamillo Habibun Tan, 50, who came from Muar, Johor, said: "The monsoon season in Terengganu continues to provide sustenance and blessings to people, especially exotic food lovers.
"Yesterday (Friday), many people went to Pantai Pandak near Chendering to look for cockles, and today (yesterday), Pantai Rusila became their focus."
Universiti Malaysia Terengganu Tropical Aquaculture and Fisheries Institute senior lecturer Norainy Mohd Husin said the edible snails could be found in Indo-Pacific waters, including Sabah and Johor.
"Their appearance in Terengganu may have been caused by natural factors," said Norainy, who planned to study the sea snails at the beach. Bernama