Seahorse key chains a big hit at Filipino mart
Published on: Thursday, December 13, 2012
Kota Kinabalu: Many tourists flock to the Filipino market in Sabah to purchase seahorse key chains. Halimatul Saaadiah Yahya, 25, travelled 1,600km from Kuala Lumpur to purchase these key chains. "Where can I get these key chains? Apart from the Filipino market in Sabah, I cannot get these key chains anywhere," said the wedding planner.
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The seahorse key chains offered at the Filipino market are made from the skin of a seahorse. A seahorse or a hippocampus is actually a fish. The head of a seahorse is similar to the head of a horse. In addition, a seahorse has a pouch, which is similar to the pouch of a kangaroo. Seahorses are part of the genus 'Syngnathidae', and are found in temperate and tropical waters all over the world. The price of the key chain ranges from RM5 to RM10, depending on the size of the seahorse.
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Located at Jalan Tun Fuad Stephens, adjacent to the Le Meridien Hotel, the Filipino market is known for handicraft souvenirs such as pearls, brooches, key chains and fridge magnets. It is a 10-minute walk from the city centre.
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Asiah Sugus, 40, who has been working at the Filipino market for five years, said a seahorse can be eaten raw, or it can be added as an ingredient in soups.A seahorse also has medicinal value. "Eating a seahorse is not unusual for the locals, but foreign tourists find it weird," she said. The Filipino market is also a haven for pearls and handicraft items with pearls. Both marine and freshwater pearls can be found in handicraft items such as brooches, rings, earrings and buttons. Pearls are also available in their original form in every shop.The market also offers other handicraft items such as calligraphic works, mats, cushion covers and table covers. Some of these products are made in Malaysia, and some are imported from Indonesia and the Philippines. Amiruddin Kassim, 22, a student at a private college, said he enjoys purchasing souvenirs at the Filipino market. "The traders are friendlier compared to those in the peninsula. In addition, the items are cheaper at the Filipino market compared to other places," he said.Christopher Edward, 27, from London, said he came to Sabah for his honeymoon two years ago. "Sabah is a great place," said Edward, during his second trip to Sabah.Ejang Henry, 29, a trader at the Filipino market, said he has been selling items at the market for the past five years. "At the Filipino market, shoppers can bargain, and they are often spoilt for choice," he said. Seafood is also cheap at the market. The price of prawns and cuttlefish is between RM15 and RM35 per kg. The Filipino market was formerly a transit camp for immigrants from the Philippines. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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