LANGKAWI: The annual 'kabung' clam harvesting season is back with Pantai Chenang's coastline blanketed by the shellfish.
The phenomenon, linked to the current high tide and strong waves, stretches for about two kilometres along the popular tourist beach.
The sight is even more spectacular during low tide.
A cleaning worker, Zailani Omar, 55, said the clams began washing ashore in large quantities from 2pm yesterday following high tide and strong waves.
"We're still seeing a significant amount of clams being washed up from the sea today, and this annual phenomenon usually lasts for about a week.
"They can be harmful to beach goers if not cleared so yesterday, I collected some 600 kilograms to dispose of," he said.
For the locals, the annual event is eagerly anticipated. Siti Noraini Ahmad Tasir, 41, from Kampung Kedawang, said the phenomenon creates a festive atmosphere along the coastline.
"These clams are perfect for 'masak lemak', or cooking with vegetables or mixed them in 'kerabu'," said Noraini, who collected around 7kg of clams.
Mohamad Junaidi Ahmad, 43, from Kampung Belak added that the phenomenon is expected to last for a few more days.
"This is an annual occurrence during mid-August. To us, their origin is still a mystery as we've never seen the clams' habitat in this area," he said.