10/04/2026

LYFE FRIDAY | APR 10, 2026

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W HILE Terengganu has long been known for its squid jigging activities, which are among the state’s main tourist attractions each year, a new phenomenon, candat darat (land-based squid jigging), has now emerged, offering anglers and the public the opportunity to catch squid right from the shoreline. One of the hotspots is a jetty at Pantai Kijal, which has been recently crowded with anglers and visitors every evening until late at night. One of the anglers, Abdullah Hassan, 42, from Paka, Dungun, said most anglers and locals fish for squid in the area using an artificial lure known as an “egi”, which resembles a shrimp. “Land-based squid jigging only takes place for about two months, in April and May, compared to offshore jigging, which lasts longer, from late March to August. During this period, needle squid are easily caught as they move closer to shore in search of food such as shrimp and small fish, and to spawn. “Besides fishing along the shoreline, this jetty is also a suitable location as it allows people to venture slightly further out to sea without having to board a boat,” he told Bernama at Pantai Kijal. Abdullah said land-based jigging is usually done between 6pm and midnight, as squid are more active at night in search of food. Meanwhile, Mohd Ghazali Rahman, 51, from Meraga Beris in Kijal, said more than 100 anglers flock daily to the approximately 300m jetty for land-based squid jigging. He said he came three times since last week, managing to catch more than 10 needle squid during each three-hour session. “Land-based squid jigging is gaining popularity among anglers because the cost is lower compared to renting a boat to fish offshore,” he said. He added that the jetty is among his preferred spots due to its lively atmosphere, as well as several beaches in Kemaman, such as Pantai Kerteh, Pantai Penunjuk and Pantai Kuala Kemaman, which have also become popular locations. Meanwhile, retired soldier Said Nan, 66, said he and his wife Mek Kemas Mohamad, 58,

Mohd Norham Yahaya, 41, shows the needle squid he caught at Pantai Awana.

Squid games o Candat darat gains popularity in Terengganu

often spend their free time fishing for fish and crabs at Pantai Kijal while enjoying the tranquility of the beach. However, he said they are currently focusing on squid jigging as it is now in season. “Catch yields can sometimes be unpredictable. There are days when we get plenty, and others when the catch is minimal,” he said.

Said Nan fishing for needle squid. – ALL PICS FROM BERNAMA

Squid jigging at a jetty at Pantai Awana.

Anglers show their dedication, staying until late at night.

Affordability remains top priority for Malaysian travellers

ONE in two Malaysians are prioritising affordability when choosing their travel destinations, even as they plan to spend more on travel this year. According to Klook’s Travel Pulse 2026 survey findings, travel spending is expected to increase by 15%, the second-highest growth across Southeast Asia, signalling a strong yet value-conscious appetite for travel. While budgets are rising, Malaysians are becoming increasingly disciplined in how they allocate their funds: 0 Price-first decisions: 56.1% of Malaysians rank affordability as the top factor when picking a vacation spot. 0 Gen Z focus: Staying within budget remains the top priority for Malaysian Gen Z travellers (45.6%). 0 AI for smarter savings: 41.3% of Malaysians now rely on artificial intelligence (AI) to identify the best time to book for better prices, demonstrating a practical use of technology to

strong preference for immersive activities such as local tours and guided experiences (54.2%) and cultural festivals (46.1%), Gen Z are seeking deeper connections with destinations, moving away from traditional sightseeing towards more authentic, experience-led travel. Beyond overall travel intent, the findings also reveal clear differences in how Malaysian millennials and Gen Z approach travel experiences. While both groups rank food experiences such as food tours and tastings as their top choice, millennials tend to favour local tours and guided experiences, whereas Gen Z show a stronger preference for time-limited natural attractions such as auroras and cherry blossoms. These differences extend to content influence as well, with millennials drawing inspiration from photos and videos on social media, whereas Gen Z lean towards practical content such as travel tips and hacks, highlighting a more pragmatic and planning-led approach to travel.

booking is becoming more digital, with Malaysians turning to social media and AI to discover, evaluate and plan their trips more seamlessly. Social media, in particular, remains a key influence with four out of five Malaysians (78.9%) having booked a travel experience based on a content creator’s recommendation. At the same time, AI is rapidly becoming a key planning tool for today’s travellers: 0 57.2% of Malaysians use AI to research desti nations (global average: 51.8%). 0 More than half of Malaysians (54.1%) use AI to find activities for their trips. Shift towards more purposeful travel At the heart of this shift is a growing desire for more meaningful travel, especially among younger travellers. Malaysian Gen Z are placing greater emphasis on seeking meaningful experiences when planning trips (38.0% compared to 31.4% globally), reflecting a stronger intent to travel with purpose. With a

make smarter financial decisions. Exploring new frontiers in Japan and China Japan remains the most sought-after destination for Malaysians (27.2%), while interest in mainland China (13.1%) and Australia (6.9%) follows after. However, how Malaysians explore these destinations is evolving: 0 In Japan: Millennials are gravitating towards secondary cities such as Sapporo and Shizuoka, while Gen Z travellers are exploring newer hotspots such as Okinawa and Yokohama. 0 In mainland China: Gen Z travellers favour emerging Tier 1 cities such as Chongqing and Guangzhou, while millennials maintain traditional picks such as Beijing and Shanghai. Social media, AI continue to shape travel decisions This evolving travel mindset is increasingly reflected in how Malaysians approach trip planning today. The journey from inspiration to