Shufiyan Shukur
The resilient community of Tanjung Kupang faced unprecedented challenges during the COVID-19 pandemic, with elders succumbing to the virus transmitted unknowingly within their own families.
Adding to their woes, local fishermen and women found themselves unable to ply the seas, hindered by a market devoid of buyers at the jetty.
In response to these hardships, Pasar Pendekar Laut, a fishermen’s cooperative established in 2016 under the Kelab Alami initiative led by co-founder Shalan Jum’at, emerged as a source of hope.
Collaborating with organizations such as the Red Crescent Society, the cooperative played a crucial role in ensuring the distribution of daily catches to communities in dire need during the pandemic.
Pasar Pendekar Laut stepping up
Adapting to the challenges posed by movement control orders, Pasar Pendekar Laut undertook direct deliveries to customers in Gelang Patah and adjacent areas.
Shalan Jum’at, motivated by a deep understanding of the struggles faced by coastal fisherfolk as the son of a fisherman, initiated Pasar Pendekar to ensure fair earnings for their catch.
“We not only pay more to our members, now numbering 30, but we can also impart some knowledge on conservation,” shared Shalan. The cooperative, which began with just three fishermen, now boasts 30 members, offering support for boat use, engine repairs, petrol, and other essential needs.
A notable achievement for Pasar Pendekar Laut was securing licenses for all their members, a challenging feat given the process’s bureaucratic hurdles and politicised nature.
Kelab Alami showcasing the Straits of Johor
Kelab Alami’s ecotourism tours, including visits to Pak Ngah jetty and the Nature & Heritage Centre, showcase the Straits’ local fishing practices and rich marine life.
However, concerns arise with impending property development at the mouth of the Pendas River, where Pasar Pendekar and Pak Ngah’s Jetty are situated. Shalan hopes to avoid relocation, expressing uncertainties about the ecological impact on the mangroves, which is vital for marine life survival.
“The reduction in daily catch from the river and Straits is already noticeable due to coastal developments and climate change,” Shalan observed.
The lives of fishermen have become unpredictable with changes in tide flows, weather patterns, and challenges from climate change.
To mitigate reduced catches, Pasar Pendekar is constructing a raft to rear fish and mussels, providing an alternative income source for its members.
As they navigate these complex challenges, Pasar Pendekar Laut stands resilient, a proof of community strength and sustainable fishing practices in adversity.
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