PASIR PUTEH - The back-breaking task of digging for ‘remis’ has become a popular activity along Tok Bali Beach here, as the shellfish species has started appearing along the shore in recent weeks.
The average remis hunter can collect up to 15 kilogrammes (kg) of this shellfish, also known as bivalve mollusks, within a few hours of searching.
Wan Hafiza Wan Hassan, 45, from Kuala Besut, Terengganu, said she started this activity a few days ago with her two children.
"Every year when the monsoon season arrives, these shellfish gather along the beach. This is when we typically head out to collect them when we’re not working," she said.
"There are times when we can collect up to 20 kg and I usually share them with my relatives to enjoy, while the rest are sold," she told Bernama when met at Pantai Pachakan recently.
Wan Hafiza, who works as a lorry driver, said various methods can be used to collect the remis, including food covers, baskets, or a tool known as a rake.
"I prefer using the rake because it’s faster and easier, and it allows me to collect more. However, I make sure to only keep the larger, mature ones and release the smaller ones back into the sea," she said, adding that she treats this activity as a hobby.
Meanwhile, Munah Daud, 62, a single mother from Kampung Pachakan, shared that collecting remis is also a supplementary source of income during the monsoon season.
Munah, who makes keropok lekor (fish crackers) as a side job, added that the demand for remis increases during this season, with prices at around RM15 per kg.
"Typically, I can collect around five kg every evening, and the proceeds from the sale help cover expenses during the monsoon," she said. - BERNAMA