Sport

Climbing No Easy Task

2007-05-29T19:52:00.000-07:00

>>Challenging: Scaling the wall is a challenging task as climbers need to figure out the routes that they should take.

109 Take Part In Competition

THE low vertical wall looked seemingly easy to scale, but climbers certainly had more than their fair share of sweating it out as they mind-boggled through various routes en route to the top.

The event was The Summit ROXX 2007 Climbing Competition, and participants would agree how deceiving looks (and in this case, the wall's contour) can be!

Held at The Summit shopping complex in USJ, the annual competition drew 109 participants to vie for top spots and prizes in the six categories being contested - the Top Rope Open Men & Women, Bouldering Open Men &amp; Women, and Combined (Top Rope & Bouldering) Open Men & Women.

Event organiser Nomad Adventure Sdn Bhd, which has owned and operated Summit Climbing Gym Malaysia's first indoor climbing gym - in the complex since 1999, is in its ninth consecutive year of organising the climbing competition.

Nomad Adventure leader and competition chief judge Chan Yuen-Li said the climbing competition was designed with the fun factor that allowed participants to try the many different climbing routes and styles.

"We have top climbers and beginners contesting together but in the midst of that, every one is having fun and giving support to each other. Participants are given the freedom to choose and try out the different climbing routes so this format attracts not just the elite rock climbers but youths and recreational enthusiasts, too," said Chan.

The competition started in the morning with the Top Rope event at the Summit Climbing Gym on the fourth floor, and continued in the afternoon with the Bouldering event on the ground floor of the complex.

"While top rope tests climbers' balance and endurance, bouldering is more about explosive power due to its shorter route. At the end of the day, the very important muscle is the 'brain' and not just brawn, as strategy and time management are key factors to this competition," said Chan.

The format of the competition required participants to plan their climbing strategies to chalk up as many points as possible by successfully climbing as many routes as they could within a given time.

Lending support to the event was guest-of-honour Subang Jaya assemblyman Datuk Lee Hwa Beng, who gave away the prizes to the top five men and women in the Top Rope event before blowing the horn to declare the Bouldering event officially open.

"Rock climbing has become popular because of this annual competition. I believe this sport has become well known not just in the Klang Valley but all over the country, too.

"Youths today are no longer interested in just the conventional sports like badminton or tennis.

They are more into extreme sports like rock climbing," he said, adding that he would try to persuade the authorities to spend more time and money to support and further develop rock climbing.

Chart, who has more than 20 years of climbing experience, said climbing was an interesting sport because she viewed it as a total approach to staying fit.

"Climbing is a physical problem with a mental solution. It requires technique, strategy, and body balance. The wall is like a mentally challenging puzzle, so through climbing, climbers actually learn how to control and manage their fear of height," Chan said.

"What started with just 50 rock climbers in the country back in the old days has grown into a loved sport so that we now have about 50 people coming to our gym each week wanting to learn climbing! That translates to about 200 new faces in a month!" said Chart.

The competition ended with a prize presentation ceremony for the remaining categories. Event sponsors were CROCS, Powerbar, Redbull and Delta Rovers.

>>Testing physical limits: Participants are pushed to their limit as they scale this wall. However, the climb involves not only brawn; it requires the brain to think, too.

>>Spiderman: A climber trying to imitate Spiderman as he makes his way from one boulder to another.

Up Close With The KAYAK

2007-05-14T19:54:00.000-07:00

Here's how it's done: Putrajaya Lake Club coach Abd Halim Aziz giving me a brief introduction of the various kayaks.

Padding Up My Paddling Skills with Some Theoretical Knowledge

THE practical segment of the Kayak Workshop in Putrajaya on Feb 24 was exhilarating and I thoroughly enjoyed the adrenaline rush.

At the same time, I wanted to know more about kayaks, kayaking and the sport from an overall perspective. First and foremost, I wanted to know the difference between canoes and kayaks.

The National Canoe Education Manual loaned to me by Malaysia Canoe Association (Masca) deputy president Capt Subramaniam Raman proved extremely useful. Masca is the governing body for the sport.

The comprehensive manual was put together based on the National Canoe Education Curriculum designed by Masca, Youth and Sports Ministry and Sultan Idris Education University (UPSI) in Perak.

From the manual, l learnt that canoes and kayaks were originally used as a mode of transport.

A canoe has an open cockpit with the canoeist paddling in a kneeling position on one bended knee. The kayak belongs to the canoe family but the kayaker usually sits in a closed cockpit. Single paddles of different kinds are used for both.

Early inhabitants who lived in tropical forests used logs as a mode of transport. These dugouts were known as kolek, perahu and sampan in Malaysia.

Canoes built differently in Europe were called Canadian canoes while Eskimos in the Arctic travelled on inuits.

Canoeing and kayaking have long existed but it was a British seafarer of Scottish descent called John MacGregor who popularised kayak activity as a sport.

Kayak was introduced as an official Olympics event in 1936 and became popular in Malaysia in the 1980s.

One Thursday evening just before touching base with the Putrajaya Lake for the second time, I decided to have a look at the different kayaks available at the Putrajaya Lake Club with a short introduction on each by coach Abd Halim Aziz.

First up was examining the basic anatomy of a kayak.

>> From front to back, I learn about stern, toggle, aft deck, keel, seat, deck eye, cockpit, hull, footrest, buoyancy, water line and bow. <<

Out came the paddle next for a closer look at the front and back of the blades, dripper ring, hand grip, bar, neck and metal tip.

In its kayak holding area, the club has polo kayaks, sprint kayaks, ocean kayaks, slalom kayaks and the standard sit-on-top kayaks.

The polo kayak is used for polo games in a lake or swimming pool; the torpedo-like sprint kayak is used in competitions; the wider and bigger ocean kayaks are for the open seas and slalom kayaks are for rapid waters.

Naturally being a rookie, l opted for the safest best, the sit-on-top kayak.

Club staff Rostam Kassim pointed out the different paddles used for the various kayaks as well as the varying blades.Honestly, I could not tell the difference at first glance.

Rostam who loves the water gamely demonstrated the Eskimo Roll, the technique of bringing up a capsized kayak without coming out of the kayak, it would take months of practice !

Equipped with basic knowledge of kayaks and kayaking, I ventured out to the Putrajaya Lake once again, this time with club staff Ridzwan Ismail leading the way and instructing me.

I hope to head out on my own the next time. Wish me luck!

Varied: Rostam with some of the different kayaks available at the club. The public can rent plastic and fiberglass kayaks while the more expensive ones are only used during championships.

80 Show Off Skill At X-treme Sports

2007-05-14T02:32:00.000-07:00

Show of skill: Inline skater Fariq Mohammad Esa performing a trick on the death trail obstacle.

Skateboarders thrill with performance but it was an eight-year-old who stole the show

EIGHTY youths battled it out in the two-day Penang X-Jam Sports (extreme sports) 2007 event at

the Penang Municipal Park.

Penang X-treme Sports Association president Ahmad Fadzil Musa said this year saw more participants compared to the last.

He said the competition, attracted teenagers who are fans of such sports.

"The youngest participant was as young as eight. The oldest was 25.

This year, some Singaporeans and Thais also competed," he said.

A total of 24 participants also registered for a BMX bike competition.

He said on the first day, all participants had to go through preliminary rounds while the final was held on the second.

Penang Municipal Council president Datuk Abu Bakar Hassan gave away prizes to winners in the three categories.

The champion in the skateboard category was Mohd Firdaus Abdul Rahman of Singapore who took home RMI,000.

Second place went to Mohd Fuad Saifullah from Kuala Lumpur who won RM800 in prize money while third place winner Mohd Fikri Zulkifli also from Kuala Lumpur took home RM500.

In the roller board Online) category, Nik Suhaili Bahari of Sarawak won the first prize of RM1, 000.

Second was Mohd Ilman Mohd Mokhtar of Kajang bagging RM800 while Mohd Nasrul Amir Mansor of Kuala Lumpur was third taking home RM500.

In the BMX bicycle event, Ahmad Saiful Aziz of Sungai Petani was the champ, pocketing RM1, 000.

Second place and RM800 went to Sheikh Mohd Taslim Sheikh Razif of Kedah and third was Rodianto Mazlan also from Kedah who took RM500.

There were fourth and fifth prizes of RM300 and RM200 respectively with sixth to tenth place consolation prizes of RM100 each.

Last year's skateboard category champion Thong Kar San, 25, of Kuala Lumpur did not disappoint though he failed to defend the title.

"It is common in sports. There are ups and downs," he said, adding that he would train harder and hope to win the next competition.

Mohd Irwan Latif said this was his second time taking part in the event.

Mohd Iffan Mokhtar, 20, from Kuala Lumpur, said he tried his best but failed to live up to his expectations.

"It does not matter much that I lost, it is the sporting spirit and participation that count the most," he added.

Eight-year-old Koya Miyasaka who is the youngest participant impressed all with his skill.

“I enjoy skating but skateboarding is more exiting," he said, adding that he started skateboarding at the age of four.

His 16 year-old brother Yuki Miyasaka also competed in the same category.

The competition was co-organised by Penang Municipal Council, Penang Tourism Action Council, Penang Youth and Sports Department and Penang X-treme Sports Association.

Runs in the family: Koya's brother Yuki shows off his skills.

Taking Off: Mohammad Faris goes airborne over the bank obstacle.

Ethical Fishing

2007-05-14T00:27:00.000-07:00

>>If you happen to catch a fish you cannot identify, and are certain that it is not an alien fish, please release it. Better still, take a photo of it.

Let's be good role models and practise ethical fishing.
Fishing has become a fast developing recreational activity in

Malaysia

. However, certain issues have emerged to challenge us.

Issues like reduced fish stocks due to habitat destruction, threat from alien fish, deteriorating environment and poor behaviour among certain fishermen are some of them. We anglers need to show the way and do it right.

If we approach fishing in an ethical and conservation-conscious way, the results will be there for us to enjoy. There will still be fish in our rivers, lakes and seas, we will not see rubbish strewn on the banks or floating in the water, and we will not be irritated by other fishermen's conduct.

But the change must start with us. Let's be the role models, and practice ethical fishing!

Below are some general rules of ethical fishing to practice. Some of these rules were adapted from the fishing rules set by the International Game Fish Association (IGFA), a body representing anglers worldwide.

Fishing equipment

LINES
~ Use an appropriate line. A line that's too fine will easily break and leave the fish swimming with a hook in its mouth.

~ Mainlines: monofilament (nylon) or multifilament (braided) may be used. Wire lines are prohibited

~ Leader: the use of a leader is not required. If one is used, then it must meet the following specifications:

i)The leader must be connected to the line with a snap, knot, splice or other device. There are no regulations regarding the material or strength of the leader.

ii)The maximum lengths for leaders are as follows:

~ Saltwater, up to 20Ib (10kg) line: 15ft (4.57m.).

~ Saltwater, 20Ib-130Ib (60kg) line: 30ft (9.14m.).

~ Freshwater, all line sizes: 6ft (1.82m.).

HOOKS
For live or dead bait fishing: no more than two single hooks may be used. Both must be firmly embedded or attached to the bait. The use of a dangling or swinging hook is prohibited. Double or treble hooks are prohibited.

~ A two-hook rig for bottom fishing is only acceptable if it consists of single hooks on separate leaders or droppers. Both hooks must be embedded in the respective baits, and separated sufficiently so that a fish caught on one hook cannot be foul-hooked by the other.

Hooks for lures: when using an artificial lure with a skirt or trailing material, attach no more than two single hooks to the line, leader or trace, The trailing hook should not extend more than a hook's length beyond the skirt of the lure.

~ Treble or double hooks are permissible on lures.

~ Use barbless hooks whenever possible. They are just as effective as barbed ones, and sometimes better. And they are much more humane to both fish and angler.

REELS
~ Reels must comply with sporting ethics and customs.

~ Power-driven reels of any kind are discouraged and prohibited in all competitions or record applications. These include motor, hydraulic or electrically driven reels and any other device that gives unfair advantage to the angler.

~ Ratchet-handle reels are also discouraged and prohibited from competitions or record applications.

RODS
~ Rods must comply with sporting ethics and customs.

~ The rod tip (from the centre of the reel to the tip) must be a minimum of 40in (101.6cm). The rod butt (from centre of reel to end of butt) cannot exceed 27in. (68.58cm).

~ The above measurements do not apply to surfcasting, coarse fishing and pole fishing rods.

~ Check for safety first, when you want to wade or use a boat. Seek advice regarding safety for the specific river, lake or sea before you set out on your own. Remember, only cats have nine lives!

Fishing etiquette
~ Respect other fishermen. They need their own space to fish. Do not encroach into their "fishing zone".

~ Be courteous to other fishermen. Get their agreement if you intend to fish near them.

~ Do not make unnecessary noise.

~ Do not disturb the water unnecessarily by wading, washing etc.

~ If you are boating near other fishermen, slow down your boat, so as to minimise the disturbance.

~ Always think about safety for yourself and others, Do not leave sharp objects lying around unattended. Wear a personal floatation device (PFD) like lifejacket at all times when you are on the water.

Fish conservation
Our fish stocks are now under pressure, from pollution habitat degradation and over fishing Anglers need to reduce this pressure. Every good deed you do will help.

ENDANGERED FISH
Some fish species are now endangered or even close to extinction. Whenever you happen to catch one, please release it with care

~ Endangered freshwater fish: kelesa, temoleh, roman bunga (jaloi, jalai, kerandang), jengkua, kelah (except National Park rivers), wild jelawat, wild patin like patin muncung, kenderap, gerahak, sikang.

~ Endangered saltwater fish: all billfish like ikan layar (sailfish) and mersuji (marlin), big sharks and kerapu bara (coral trout)

CATCH LIMITS
There are many species which, though not endangered, still need our help to sustain their stocks.

You need to follow certain catch limits. These catch limits may vary from one water to another, but as a general guide, you need to release the small fish to give them a chance to grow and the big ones to give them a chance to propagate.

Practising catch and release
~ Try to land the fish as fast as you can, This prevents the build-up of lactic acid in its body to fatal levels.

~ Use a landing net, not a gaff. The net mesh should be of material that causes minimal damage to the fish (e.g. knotless mesh).

~ Wet your hands before handling the fish. This prevents the fish from losing too much of its protective slime covering.

~ If possible, keep the fish in the water while you unhook it. After unhooking, revive the fish: hold it by the tail in the water move it forwards and backwards until its tail starts to kick, then let it go.

~ If you wish to take photos, do it as quickly as possible, Do not hold the fish vertically (this may damage its organs and tissues). Support it with both hands in a horizontal position.

~ Unless you are fishing in a commercial pond, you should NOT release an alien fish.

Fish tagging programmers
Efforts are now being made to tag certain species to monitor their growth rates and behaviour patterns.

Tagging of sailfish in both the South China Sea and Straits of Malacca has been initiated by Malaysian Fishing Association (Persatuan Memancing Malaysia PeMM).

The kelah of Sungai Tahan are also being tagged by the Kelah Sanctuary organization.

The tag is usually a plastic dart attached to the fish's dorsal fin. If you happen to catch a tagged fish, please follow the procedure below:

~ Do not pull out the tag, unless the fish has died.

~ Note down the code number and any other particulars printed on the tag.

~ Record the following: weight of the fish, its standard length (from snout to base of tail), its total length (from snout to end of tail), the girth (the biggest circumference around the belly), exact location of the catch, water conditions, date, time, weather conditions, bait/lure used.

~ Release the fish if possible.

~ Contact the relevant organisation and relay the above information.

The threat from alien fish
The last few years has seen more and more alien species appearing in our waters, mainly via the aquarium and aquaculture industries. There is insufficient research done on the negative effects of these species on our local fish, but observations by many fishermen show that the threat is real.

Some alien fish breed very fast, forage on the eggs and fry of local fish and even destroy the habitat.

The end result will be stunted fishes, or reduced fish stocks.

We can't afford to wait for scientific research on this issue. We need to take action now, If you catch any of these alien species in natural water (river, lake, naturalised quarry or mining lake etc), DO NOT RELEASE them back into the water. Cull them and donate them to a good cause.

Some of these aliens include:

~ The Cichlids: Flower horns, peacock bass, jaguar cichlids, kerapu lombong, tilapia (all types)

~ The Carps: Grass carp, leekoh (common carp), bighead carp, silver carp, rohu

~ The Catfish: African keli and Russian catfish

~ Other alien species: pacu, lamparn jawa, sucker mouth (bandaraya fish)

>> Even a local species may be considered an "alien" for particular water, when its introduction creates harm to the other indigenous species. Selective culling may be needed here.<<

Protecting the environment

CLEANLINESS
~ Take back everything that you brought for your fishing. Leave nothing behind.

~ Bring large dustbin bags: you can also collect other people's rubbish. Be a role model, and others will follow.

~ Be extra careful with discarded fishing lines, plastic bags and small fishing leads. These things kill birds, fish and other animals. Cut your discarded fishing lines into short lengths, then dispose in rubbish bags.

~ Tin cans and plastic bags make perfect homes for mosquitoes. Bring them home！

MAINTAINING WATER QUALITY
~ Do not dirty the water.

~ If there are no toilets in the vicinity, do not urinate or defecate in or near the water. Do your business away from the water. Make a hole in the ground, and cover it when you are finished.

~ In stillwaters, do not excessively ground bait (berley) your swim. Ton much ground baiting deteriorates the water quality.

~ Do not release chemical liquids (e.g. detergents, oils, even carbonated drinks) into the water or by the banks where they can leach back into the water.

~ Do not use excessive insecticides (eg.insect sprays) and chemical deterrents (e.g. sulphur powder). Some of these harmful chemicals may end up in the water.

CARE FOR THE SURROUNDINGS AND VEGETATION
~ Try not to cut down any vegetation on or near the water, This vegetation may he home to insects, a major food source for the fish.

~ If you intend to camp, use specified or ready-made campsites. Try not to clear new ground. Exposed earth ends up as silt in the river after heavy rains, destroying fish habitat and affecting breeding,

~ Do not make open fires unless it is really necessary. A stove is always more eco-friendly. If you do make an open fire, make sure it doesn't spread to nearby vegetation. Always douse the fire completely before you leave.

~ Never leave cut saplings protruding from the ground at campsites or jungle trails. They act like spears when you fall on them! Cut them at the base, if you have to, leaving no sharp points.

~ Leave nothing but footprints and shoot only with cameras!

Having Fun Learning The Salsa

2007-05-13T20:35:00.000-07:00

Who cares if I am the worst dancer in class!

I was declared the worst dancer in class! It is mortifying, and humiliating, and does serious damage to one's confidence to be told that.

But do I care? Certainly not!

I am determined to learn how to salsa, no matter how long it takes.

It was my second session learning basic salsa and despite the damning judgement, I tell myself: Remember the promise you made to yourself last year when your spirits were low?

It had all started seven months ago when I had to undergo minor surgery.

Nothing serious, really; in fact, I was discharged the very next day.

Yet it was one of the most terrifying moments of my life.

I was scared and, born with a very active imagination, t thought of all the things that could go wrong on the operating table.

This was despite the fact I was lucky to have the best doctor and nurses who took really good care of me.

During the last moments before I was wheeled into the operation theatre, I made a promise to myself that right after the operation, when I got back on my feet, I would not take life for granted again.

Life is short and l intend to make the most of it.

So I made a quick list of what I would like to do to enrich my life further.

I promised myself that I would travel more, learn Mandarin, cook for my hubby ("Yeah, right; like that is ever going to happen!" I can hear him say), take up yoga and learn to salsa!

Why salsa? Because it is the most fascinating and lively dance there is.

But, more importantly, it is the kind of dance that makes you enjoy life and have fun.

I was hooked after watching the 1998 movie Dance With Me, starring Vanessa Williams.

I had this fantasy of dancing like that in shows - remember my active imagination?

I constantly fantasised dancing like that, free from inhibitions and letting myself go on the dance floor.

Today I proceeded with my second lesson, and discovered that it is not as easy as it seems.

But then again, nothing is easy…

That is why I am here - to learn.

I have a confession to make here: I am petrified of dancing in public!

But thank God for Mak. Who is Mak? Mak is many things - friend, colleague and, right now, my saviour.

Mak Khuin Weng volunteered to be my salsa partner and for that I will be eternally grateful to him.

To cut a long story short, Mak and I signed up for basic salsa classes at dance school Havana Estudio in Taman Tun Dr lsmad, Kuala Lumpur.

Word on the street is that this is one of the best dance schools in town, especially where salsa is concerned.

Owner and principal Sharie Dekorte opened the school 10 years ago when salsa was the preserve of the expatriate community.

Today, according to Dekorte, salsa is a lifestyle.

The whole concept of salsa, I was told, was to learn how to socialise and have fun.

My instructors – Sam Sopiee, better known as Salsa Sam, and Aisha Mansoor - were very clear about that aspect of the dance.

"The dance is not about learning for competitions or for the purpose of getting a certificate.

"It's about socialising and having fun," said Sam.

"It also helps one gain confidence and is a great way to de-stress," added Aisha.

I surely hope so, as my first session with Mak was awkward and 1 think both of us were a bit of a kayu (stiff) and a little shy, too, and. more than anything, we were doubly stressed at the end of the session.

But I am hoping that will change as we progress and gain more confidence.

During our first lesson, we were taught the basics, such as moving forward and backward to the beat of one-two-three and five-six-seven.

Also, how to hold our partner's hands, the importance of hand movements and footwork.

After trying it on our own for a while, we were told to switch partners, much to our chagrin.

It was Sam's way of making the learning process fun and a way of socialising at the same time.

Then we had to do it with music and, boy, that was fun!

Salsa music is so infectious. We started to really enjoy it and who cares that I forgot everything the very next day.

At least Mak and I had fun!

This is how you do it: Sam and Dekorte showing Mak and Me the right steps.

Salsa pose: Mak and I striking a salsa pose.

Selangor Spins To The Top

2007-05-09T23:17:00.000-07:00

>>Well done: The adult and youth teams from Selangor posing for a group picture with the VIPs after the prize presentation ceremony.

In Three Day Top Spinning Competition In Temerloh

The Government's plan to popularise top spinning (main gasing) as one of the nation's folk games (sukan rakyat) can be realised as proven by efforts taken by Persekutuan Gasing Malaysia (Pegama) in organising the National "Casing" festival held at the municipal field in Temerloh recently.

A total of 365 participants from all over the country (except Kedah) took part in the three-day top spinning competition.

Selangor emerged the overall champion in both the adult and youth categories of the competition.

Host Pahang was the first runner-up in the adult category. Pegama president Datuk Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who is also Bera MP, said top spinning had a long history in Malay society and was played by enthusiasts of all ages.

"The national-level competition has been held since 1990:' he said, adding that among the competition's objectives was to conserve, develop and expand the art of playing the game so that it would not disappear.

Ismail Sabri said currently, the game was played by all races and Pegama planned to organise more competitions in the future, including at Asean level.

He said an Asean-level competition had been held once in Temerloh a few years ago and it was a success.

"With our experience in organising these competitions, I am sure more people will be fascinated by the game in the near future," he said.

Meanwhile, Deputy Culture, Arts and Heritage Minister Datuk Wong Kam Hoong, who was present during festival said main gasing would be among the folk games that would be gazetted as a national heritage.

However, he said, non-governmental organizations should help the Government to bring all kinds of traditional games, including top spinning, into the mainstream of sports activities.

Wong said since the game had followers among non-Malays, it could help to promote unity in the country.

State Arts, Culture, Tourism, Family Development and Family Affairs Committee chairman Datuk Maznah Mazlan said the traditional game could also help the state in promoting tourism activities.

She said Pahang had two main gelanggang (arenas) for the game in Temerloh and Kuala Krau.

Gasing comes in various shapes and sizes depending on which state it is from.

Gasing begelan is popular in Johor, gasing toyol in Malacca while gasing kuno is played in Kelantan, Terengganu, Pahang, Selangor, Kedah and some parts of Johor.

Other types of traditional tops are gasing tanjung, gasing pacitan, gasing lang laut and gasing uri.

Unique: Two boys demonstrating the art of supporting the spinning gasing using strings.

Skillful: A boy supporting a spinning gasing on his finger during a demonstration at the festival.

A Bit Of 50kg Garoupa For Diners

2007-05-09T00:25:00.000-07:00

>>Gigantic: The 50KG Garoupa was caught in the deep sea off Port Klang.

A RARE catch of a 50kg giant Garoupa is the special treat at Aunty Nat's this May.

The fish caught in the deep sea off Port Klang will be served for dinner at 50% off for a la carte orders at the restaurant as a way of sharing with its loyal customers.

Restaurant owner Elaine Too said it was a cultivated fish as it was caught off the hook in the deep sea.

She said the general perception of big fishes is that the meat is hard and it lacked in taste.

"But this is wrong. Once our supplier caught the same kind of fish, only a little smaller and the meat was very tender and juicy. The layering offish oil in the meat makes it special," she said.

However, the best part of the fish is its skin.

The skin may look leathery and thick but when cooked the right way, it is a delicacy as it becomes spongy and springy," said Too.

She recommended simple recipes such as steaming to savour the rich taste of the fish.

"It is best served steamed with garlic oil and fresh garnishing," she said.

The fish can also be served in noodle soup or porridge.

The giant fish will be served at Aunty Nat's two outlets in Sri Hartamas and Mid Valley until
May 31.