"It’s what I do and I have to earn my income,” said fisherman M. Ravi, 47, at the Jalan Sultan Ahmad Shah jetty yesterday
"If sea conditions are rough, it is said the catch would be bountiful.”
He said the king tide phenomenon yesterday was not as bad as warned by the authorities.
"I went out to sea today and caught a good haul,” he said.
Ravi also goes night fishing to complement his income because of demand from customers.
M. Murugan, 42, who has been a fisherman for more than two decades, also went to sea yesterday.
"The sea was rough but we have experienced such conditions before,” he said, adding they had to take risks in search of a good catch.
Syukor Ali, 58, said he went out to fish but did not encounter high waves.
"We were warned of high tides and rough sea conditions but we have to venture out to make a good catch. Only if the waters turn too violent will we stop fishing and head home,” he said.
A fishmonger at Bandar Baru Air Itam market, Hng Lee Wei, 53, said many fishermen did not go to sea as the wind was strong and the waves high.
"We are facing the high tide phenomenon and it is not safe for fishermen with small boats to go out. Many have decided not to go out, resulting in a shortage of fish,” he said.
Consumers Association of Penang education officer N. Subbarow said based on a survey at the markets in Bayan Baru , Pulau Tikus and Jelutong yesterday, there was an ample supply of fish and seafood products in the market.
"There is no price hike for seafood at the moment and we will monitor the situation,” he said.
Pulau Betong assemblyman Muhamad Farid Saad said many fishermen went out to sea in the morning but turned back their boats as the wind was too strong.
"I was informed that the king tide is not at its peak yet, so I urge those living along the coastline to be cautious,” he said.
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