Flood season brings lucrative catfish haul for Kinta river fishermen in Perak

Fish trader Mohd Jasnurol Iznal Zainal Abidin, 43, shows ‘lundu’ catfish (Arius maculatus) caught by inland fishermen at his freshwater fish collection and distribution centre operated under the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) in Parit 9, Kampung Gajah in Teluk Intan, Perak, November 10, 2026. — Bernama pic

First Published: Thursday, 12 Nov 2026 7:00 AM MYT

TELUK INTAN, Nov 12 — Whenever the water level of the Kinta River rises during the rainy season, Anuar Osman knows it is time to head to the river and set up belat (traditional fish traps) in anticipation of the arrival of ikan lundu (a type of catfish), which provides him with a supplementary source of income.

For the 49-year-old inland fisherman, catching ikan lundu is not his main occupation but rather a seasonal opportunity that he seizes whenever the fish migrate in schools through the river.

With catches sometimes exceeding 100 kilogrammes a day, the ikan lundu not only fill his traps but also bring in extra income when sold to wholesalers.

Anuar, who also manages an oil palm smallholding, said the large-scale appearance of ikan lundu typically lasts for about a week, depending on the river’s water level.

He explained that as the water rises, the fish move into areas where the belat are positioned along the river’s course. However, fishing activities come to a halt once the water level recedes.

Whenever the water level of the Kinta River rises during the rainy season, inland fishermen in Teluk Intan know it is time to head to the river and set up traditional fish traps, known as ‘belat’, in anticipation of the arrival of ‘lundu’ catfish (Arius maculatus), which provide an additional source of income. — Bernama pic

“When we see the water rising, the fish will appear for about a week, but once the river level drops, we stop fishing,” he told Bernama when met in Kampung Permatang Pelanduk, near here, today.

He added that using belat is more effective than nets for catching ikan lundu, as the fish have sharp spines that make them difficult to remove from nets.

Another inland fisherman, 37-year-old Shahril Yeop Mat Sibi, who works as a school canteen assistant, also takes advantage of the opportunity to catch ikan lundu whenever the water rises in the Kinta River.

Based on his observations, the fish migrate from the lower reaches of the Perak River into the Kinta River, eventually entering the belat set up at strategic locations along the riverbanks.

He said the traps do not require bait, as the ikan lundu move in schools and enter them by following the river’s current.

Inland fisherman Anuar Osman, 49, speaks to a Bernama reporter at Kampung Pematang Pelanduk, November 10, 2026. — Bernama pic

“As long as the belat is not full, the fish will continue entering. Once it is full, we quickly pull it up because more fish from downstream will keep moving upstream.

“That is the bounty brought by the floods. The fish travel in schools, and for about a week, as long as the river remains deep, lundu (catfish) appear in large numbers,” he said.

Shahril said the catch could reach up to 100 kilogrammes a day, providing a worthwhile supplementary income despite the short fishing season.

Meanwhile, fish trader Mohd Jasnurol Iznal Zainal Abidin, 43, said lundu is among the main species sold at his freshwater fish collection and distribution centre, operated under the Fisheries Development Authority of Malaysia (LKIM) in Parit 9, Kampung Gajah, during the flood season.

Inland fisherman Shahril Yeop Mat Sibi, 37, checks a traditional fish trap, known as a ‘belat’, set up at a strategic location along the banks of the Kinta River in Kampung Pematang Pelanduk. — Bernama pic

The father of five said he could sell between 300 and 600 kilogrammes of lundu daily at about RM30 per kilogramme, depending on supplies from local fishermen.

“I source the lundu from local fishermen, who consider the flood season the best time to catch this species. The highest volume I have ever sold was about two tonnes in a single day last year,” said Mohd Jasnurol, who also supplies the fish to the Selayang Wholesale Market.

However, despite the prospect of additional earnings, the fishing activity is not without risks, particularly the presence of crocodiles in the river, which poses a threat to fishermen who may encounter the reptiles while checking their traps.

He advised those involved in similar activities to remain vigilant and never underestimate river conditions, especially when water levels rise and currents become stronger. — Bernama