9YO Malaysian boy can't wait to go on a family fishing trip during the holidays

According to Krishanth, ‘the best skill is to learn to not feel disgusted when hooking a worm’. Photos: Bring Perumal

G.Krishanth, nine, can’t wait to soak in some fun with his family during the two-week school break which starts tomorrow.

He’s excited to visit his grandfather, retired health inspector Perumal Karuppiah, 71, in Segamat, Johor.

“Tatha (grandfather) would would definitely plan a fishing trip for us, probably to the nearby Sungai Buloh Kasap in Segamat, or a trip to Rompin in Negeri Sembilan. Hopefully the weather will be good so we can also do a weekend camping trip to Port Dickson in Negri Sembilan or Melaka,” says the Year Three student from Subang Jaya, Selangor.

Krishanth (right) with Chandra and his cousin Voshern Gunalan on a recent fishing outing.Like many students, Krishanth sees the school holidays as an opportunity to break away from textbooks and tuition classes. He intends to maximise the holidays by engaging in outdoor activities which combine family time, nature, and adventure.

The friendly boy excitedly recalls his first fishing trip at Kuala Rompin, Negri Sembilan, a spot famous for large populations of sailfish.

“I was six years old when Tatha took me on this trip. Tatha taught me how to hook on a worm. I did it on my own. I cast it, and I caught an ikan gelama (croaker fish). It was special because I did it all on my own. Now, I know how to hook bait, cast, and also how to unhook fish on my own.

“I also like spending time with my Amma (mother) and Baba (father) during the holidays. They also enjoy outdoor activities and this makes me happy because I get to try out new things.”

Fun-filled escapades

Krishanth’s love for fishing runs in the family.

His mother Brin Perumal, 38, is also a fishing enthusiast, just like her three siblings. Perumal had taught them how to fish when they were as young as Krishanth. Brin says her father also taught her late mother V. Pramacry@ Banu how to fish when they got married 49 years ago.

Brin, an avid angler, wants to continue fostering her only child’s love for fishing.

“My dad exposed us all to fishing. He taught my siblings and I tactics like how to look for worms as bait. Most of all, he taught us patience,” says Brin, the country director of marketing and communications at an international hotel chain in Kuala Lumpur.

Perumal (third row, second from left) with his family on one of their fishing trips.

The Perumal family’s fishing expeditions have taken them to numerous spots across Johor, Selangor, Pangkor Island, Tioman Island and Pahang. Brin’s husband, information technology head Chandra Kumar is an avid angler too.

Together, Chandra and Brin ensure that Krishanth is an active participant in their fishing adventures.

“We also like camping, so we camp overnight at beach sites in Sepang, Selangor and Port Dickson, and we fish there overnight as well. We are deep-sea fishing enthusiasts too. Sea fish fight differently, and I do consider it a sport as it’s truly a workout.

Brin and Krishanth on a camipng trip.“We don’t keep the fish we catch – we would say thank you to the fish and release it. My son understands that we are not killing the fish and the fish gets to go back to its friends. Also, we teach the children the type of fish that are native to our local waters.

“So it’s also a leaning experience too. As our fishing trips are usually overnight, we play board games, charades and other fun games with the family when we are not out angling,” Brin shares.

Krishanth chipped in: “The best skill would be to learn not to feel disgusted when you want to hook on the worm. At first, it’s yucky, but after you do it a couple of times, you will get good at it.

"You have to hold the worm firmly and hook it on quickly. I would encourage other kids to give it a try. Some like it, some don’t. But if you don’t try, you won’t know. So try it and have fun.”

Eat, pray, fish

Brin is grateful her parents raised her in a healthy environment where she had a balanced life: They gave equal emphasis on education as well as being active outdoors. She is raising Krishanth the same way as she wants him to be an all rounder.

She tries her best to spend as much quality time with her son during weekends and holiday breaks.

“I do believe this has taught me so many values, made me socially sound and also has helped in developing my own personality. Children need to learn (different skills) from a young age to develop their mind, abilities and personality.”

Brin (centre) enjoys spending quality time with her son Krishanth (left) and her husband Chandra.

Brin advocates for a balanced approach to parenting, acknowledging that “we can’t get away from gadgets but we can practice moderation”.

“My father worked hard as a government servant but after work and on weekends, he made it a point to dedicate his time to his children. I’ve done the same. My husband and I truly believe family time is important. We do put our gadgets aside during the weekend and make time for each other. Set your priorities, plan, budget and enjoy life.

“My son gets to play PlayStation and board games, chess with his father on some weekends when we decide to stay home.

'I believe families that read, eat, pray, work and play together have stronger bonds,' says Brin (second row, second from left).

“I believe families that read, eat, pray, work and play together have stronger bonds.”

Brin is in the midst of planning another fishing trip in Lumut next February. This chosen location holds a sentimental value, being a favourite of Brin’s late mother, who passed away last month due to a stroke.

“Its an awesome fishing spot and was my Mum’s favourite place too. So we are heading there as a tribute to my mother and to honour her memory,” concludes Brin.