By Zaki Salleh
Photo: Wat Kamal Abas
BUKIT GANTANG: Who knows whose luck it is.
This was the fortune of an angler who successfully caught a snapper weighing 1.3 kilograms (kg) at the Kelubong Challenge Fishing Tournament in Kampung Kelubong.
Mat Noor Rahmat’s catch outperformed 288 other participants in the event organized by the Bukit Gantang Parliamentary Service Centre.
He himself did not expect to become the champion and take home the cash prize of RM10,000.
According to Mat Noor, he waited nearly two hours for the live shrimp bait on his fishing hook to attract a fish.
He took 10 minutes to land the snapper.
“I knew I would win because this snapper was among the top five, but I was shocked when I was announced as the champion after the counting.
“This prize money will partly be used for medical expenses for a sick family member and to support a family in need,” he said.
Meanwhile, the second place went to female angler Rozita Saad, who successfully caught a fish weighing 1.065 kg, earning her a cash prize of RM5,000.
She had hoped to achieve a notable catch that would rank among the top 10 heaviest.
“Before joining the tournament, I prayed every day for a winning fortune.
“This prize will be used for family expenses, and the remainder will be invested in business,” she said.
The prizes for the winners were presented by Bukit Gantang Member of Parliament, Syed Abu Hussin Hafiz Syed Abdul Fasal.
This is the seventh time the fishing tournament has been held to promote the waters of Kelubong as a must-visit destination for anglers across the country.