When the Salt Water Arrived at Mee Ann Rice Mill

My grandparents and my father's siblings lived in Mee Ann Rice Mill, Binatang, for many years. Grandpa moved to Sg Merah, Sibu, in the early 50's when he built his large house on top of the hill, to enjoy his retired years.

My aunts who lived in Mee Ann before they got married remember specifically the salt water and the fresh water meeting right in front of the rice mill. Two of my uncles, Uncle Siew King and Uncle Hua King raised their family in Mee Ang and later moved away to Sibu.

During the rainy days, the Merondong river would rush out to join the Rajang behind the rice mill, probably bringing a lot of fish for the family to catch using the pukat. The workers also helped to haul in the fish when the tide ebbed. It was exciting time of fish harvesting. Some who wanted to use the rod would sit patiently at the jetty for their catch.

Sometimes the Rajang river came with furious currents brought about by heavy rainfall in the mountainous regions of Kapit. The Chinese  feared  these high tides which were merciless. Even babies could be washed away by the furious currents.

My late cousin Michael loved to fish during the holidays and he could hook a few large ones like patin, labang and red eyed fish. He would know the best times to go fishing being an experienced fisherman.





The women folk would always wait for fresh water to come and enjoy some socialising on the jetty while they washed their clothes. When the salty water arrived from the sea, the women would have to depend on rain water for washing, cleaning and cooking.

When the water was salty life seemed to be a bit more difficult for every one in this part of Binatang in those days. And tempers would would get frayed easily. But generally life was difficult with big families living together and low incomes earned.

Children were pushed to study hard to have a better life in Sibu or Kuching. They must get out of the small town.

Note : scientifically when river water meets sea water, the lighter fresh water rises up and over the denser salt water. Sea water noses into the estuary just at Bintangor (now) beneath the outflowing river water, pushing its way upstream along the bottom.

This is where according to many of my relatives the best patin can be hooked. often around 2 kg in weight.