Haze leaves Kuantan fishermen racing against time before monsoon season
KUANTAN: Fisherman Mohd Faizal Abidin is facing an uncertain livelihood as the worsening haze is limiting his trips to sea, just weeks before the approaching monsoon season is expected to ground him ashore.
KUANTAN: Fisherman Mohd Faizal Abidin is struggling as the worsening haze limits his sea trips, just weeks before the monsoon season. The 41-year-old from Kampung Cempaka said the unexpected haze has affected small-scale fishermen, as poor visibility prevents them from going far offshore. Faizal, a father of four, usually sets out at 5am and returns by noon, but now leaves around 8am due to the haze.
The haze, which typically occurs after the monsoon season ends in March, is unusual for October. Some fishermen, relying on GPS devices, venture only 500 metres from the shoreline. Kuantan fishermen are racing against time to earn a living before the monsoon season begins, forcing many to take odd jobs. Despite the haze, fishermen must still go to sea to support their families.
Fisherman Mohd Asri Abd Rahman, 54, said the community has little time left to make a living before the monsoon season arrives. The community advises fishermen to ensure their GPS devices are working before heading out to sea. The Air Pollutant Index (API) in Kuantan reached 160 today, indicating unhealthy air quality.
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