Silam’s little known red crabs, heavenly tower
Published on: Thursday, May 30, 2019
By: Lorena Binisol
LAHAD DATU: Tourism players should complement instead of compete with one another, said Dato Dr Ammar Abd Ghafar, Senior Director, Domestic and Events Division at Tourism Malaysia, head office.He urged industry players to be creative and always look forward to discover something new so that there are varieties of items to choose from and marketing become attractive with different kinds of products being introduced.
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He was leading a group of media practitioners recently on a four-day visit for Media Product Update Programme, a pilot project which involved visits to the islands under Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Semporna, places of interest in Lahad Datu and Tawau. He said regardless of whether the products are man-made or natural, something needs to be done to develop and upgrade them.
The first place visited was Mount Silam in Lahad Datu, where there is a man-made Tower of Heaven.
“I suppose many people already know about the Tower of Heaven here in Mount Silam. Hence, we can combine this product with some others such as searching for red crabs, as its habitat (red crab) is known to be along the trail of Mount Silam.
Some tourists are keen to look for “weird” creatures like the red crab as we do not get to see it anywhere else.
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Another product potential is the unique bamboo plant where the stem grows horizontally instead of the usual way (vertical). This is something distinctive and people are curious about it and can prompt outsiders to come and see.
Don’t be surprised, many visitors are enthralled with nature no matter how small or big it is.
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But we need to expose and highlight these items so people are aware of it.
The little red crabs are found along Mount Silam trail.
This is where the media play its part. Influencing agents such as TV personalities and singers are important to help in promoting,” he said.
Apart from 16 members of the media, local celebrity Alif Satar was flown in to help the cause.
Dr Ammar also touched on the recently held Regata Lepa (boat festivity) in Semporna where self-made boats were displayed with colourful props, which is another good attraction to the people.
“People especially foreign visitors are always curious about what we have and celebrations in Malaysia. Sabah, for example has endless diversity of multi-ethnic cultures and traditions. Regata Lepa is one of the colourful events of the Bajau tribe and should be highlighted more internationally as it is one of the biggest events in Sabah,” he said.
Meanwhile, Geungnong Ahjing, assistant forestry officer of Lahad Datu said that the Tower is the highest point in the district at 620 metres above sea level.
The view of islands near Darvel bay with thick mangrove surrounding the area is said to be one of the most captivating and picturesque.
Geungnong explained that the red crab is a small and is not edible. However, its crimson or flaming colour is a good attraction for people who have interest in flora and fauna as its habitat is among the wild plants along the trail to Mount Silam area.
“The fresh water crab is small and red, live and re-produce on land. Sometime it can be easily visible, but there are times you can hardly find them.
Not many people know about it including the locals. But for those who have interest in nature, this unique creature is valuable in their eyes,” said Geungnong.
A few kilometres from the Mount Silam area on the ground level, another potential site are the Japanese war tunnels.
Dr Ammar said, whatever Japanese war remnants, are equally good attractions for people.Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express’s Telegram channel.
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