Unusual shellfish haul draws crowds to Pantai Sabak, Kelantan

KOTA BARU: Large numbers of shellfish believed to be pen shells have washed ashore at Pantai Sabak, drawing crowds of residents eager to collect them.

The shellfish were first spotted yesterday evening, with incoming waves bringing more towards the shore.

Pantai Sabak resident Nor Ain Mat, 33, said she was alerted to their appearance by her nephew, who visited the beach with several friends at 6pm.

She said she rushed to the beach and was surprised by the sight, having never encountered the species despite living near the coast for years.

After sharing a live video on TikTok, she received comments from viewers identifying the shellfish as kepah or kerang kapak, which they said were edible and could fetch high prices.

Nor Ain said large numbers continued to wash ashore with each incoming wave, prompting people to collect them in sacks and baskets. Some even filled the backs of their four-wheel-drive vehicles.

She managed to collect a sackful, keeping some to cook and selling the rest.

She said she had been told the shellfish could fetch RM2.50 each at restaurants, but was selling her collection for RM10 a kg.

Several buyers had already expressed interest in collecting their purchases, she added.