KANGAR: Despite causing losses to those who are affected, the floods have brought windfall to fishing enthusiasts in Perlis, particularly among fans of freshwater fish.
Checks around Kangar and Arau found that anglers are flocking to river streams, irrigation ditches and padi fields, armed with different types of rods, fishing poles, or nets.
In some popular spots, the atmospheres were like a festival of sorts.
This activity is a routine for anglers in this state at the start of the rice planting season.
As the rainy season arrives, these enthusiasts are ready with their fishing rods, looking for suitable spots to fish.
An angler, Mohamad Farhan Kadir, 39, said whenever there is a flood, he and his friends would look for suitable locations to fish for freshwater species.
"Sometimes we go to the padi fields and the irrigation ditches next to the fields are always our focus as there are abundant of freshwater fish species like sepat, puyu and kaloi.
"When it floods, it's even merrier because the water current brings these fish into the fields or ditches, and the strong current makes it easier to fish," he said.
His wife, Juwairiyah Mokhtar, 38, said the fish caught are usually sold on a small scale at the market, or prepared as meals for the family.
"Freshwater fish are delicious, like sepat and puyu, especially when served with hot rice, soya sauce, and 'sambal belacan'. It's really appetising, and some even make fermented fish out of them.
"So, it's undeniable that sometimes floods have become some sort of a festival as many people, from children to the elderly, come out with their fishing gear to fish," she said.
Another angler, Isa Halim, 63, said during floods, it's relatively easy to catch fish as the fish would take the bait rather quickly.
"Especially when fishing in fish hotspots like large ditches, or padi fields. Sometimes it doesn't take long to catch fish, one after another.
"I've caught five to 10 sepat and puyu, but it also depends on the fishing spot at the time," he said.
The anglers, however, emphasised the importance of safety as it would not be worth it if someone were to drown due to the excitement of fishing, especially in dangerous areas like rivers.
Last Monday, continuous rain for over five hours in Kangar and Arau has caused several areas in the districts to be flooded, forcing affected residents to be relocated to several temporary flood relief centres.