KUALA TERENGGANU, Nov 20 — Each time the monsoon season is here, residents in Terengganu will usually look forward to the sudden surge of thousands of cockles on the beach and this time around the much-awaited phenomena has attracted a crowd at Pantai Pandak near Chendering.
A check by Bernama at the beach saw visitors digging with gusto to harvest the marine bivalve mollusk, using various kitchen tools such as containers, strainers, and fan covers.
A security guard, Mohd Rahman Mat Shafee, 35, said he managed to gather as much as 50 kilograms (kg) of cockles after four hours of digging and the amount is the biggest catch he ever had so far.
“I will usually give them to my family members and neighbours to cook. I just do this for fun, but if people come by here to buy them I will sell them at RM10 per kg.
“This surge of cockles phenomena is now common in Terengganu but where it will occur is uncertain…previously the attraction was at Pantai Rusila, Marang, and Pantai Seberang Takir. If there is going to be a big harvest, I would go there. The tiny piece of meat is so delicious as they are fresh, unlike those sold at the market,” he said when met by Bernama here.
It is learned that bulks of cockles began to appear at Pantai Pandak in the past three days and visitors had been coming as early as 8 am to collect the shellfish, staying on till late evening depending on the weather.
Sources: BERNAMA