Kapit fisherman lands 26kg giant tapah, sold for RM75 per kilogramme
by James Ling · Borneo Post OnlineKAPIT (March 14): A local fisherman reeled in a giant ‘tapah’ (a freshwater catfish species) early yesterday, which weighed a whopping 26kg.
The catch was later brought to Terasang Market here, which was purchased by fishmonger Lauren Bangit.
The value of the transaction was not stated, but Lauren later sold the fish – gutted, cleaned and portioned – at RM75 per kilogramme.
“The ‘tapah’ is common in the Rajang River, particularly in Sungai Metah, Sungai Merit, Sungai Pilai and Nanga Merit.
“However, we normally see those weighing between 3kg and 5kg.
“It’s very rare to see one weighing 10kg; let alone 26kg.
“Indeed, this is a very rare harvest,” Lauren told The Borneo Post here.
According to a customer Lawrence Ringgit, the bigger the size of the ‘tapah’, the better it tastes.
“There are many ways of cooking the fish: you can steam it with ginger; fry it; boil it as soup; or cook it ‘pansuh’ style (in bamboo) with wild ferns.
“Whichever way, the taste is simply delicious,” he said.