Over 3,000 visitors flocked to Teluk Nipah Beach to walk across a rare sandbank connecting to Giam Island during a unique low tide event.
LUMUT: More than 3,000 visitors at Teluk Nipah Beach near Pangkor Island witnessed a rare ‘split sea’ phenomenon.
The event allowed people to walk about 400 metres across a temporary sandbank connecting the beach to Giam Island during low tide.
Manjung Municipal Council director Anas Malek Ishak said the phenomenon was expected to occur over three days starting today.
Visitors were able to enjoy the natural spectacle for about one and a half hours during each low tide period.
Multiple agencies coordinated to ensure visitor safety during the crossings.
Personnel from the police, fire department, Civil Defence Force and Fisheries Department were deployed to manage the crowds.
“While crossing the sandbank, visitors may encounter sea cucumbers, corals, squid, fish species and various other marine life,” said Anas Malek.
He added that personnel would sound whistles to instruct visitors to return to shore as the tide began to rise.
Pangkor Fire and Rescue Station chief Mohd Saiful Bahri Abdul Talib said 10 personnel and three assets were deployed as a precaution.
“We allow visitors to proceed when the water level is between 0.3 and 0.4 metres,” he stated.
Pangkor Police chief Inspector Muhamad Faizol Kamaluddin said 17 officers were on duty to ensure safety and security.
Parents were reminded to monitor children closely near the water.
Swiss visitor Alf Zeigler, 64, said he was excited to experience the phenomenon for the first time with his family.
“It is a wonderful way to experience the ocean and the sand,” he said.
Teacher D Syimala, 36, from Taiping, expressed great satisfaction after crossing to Giam Island.
“At first, I was a bit scared, but after reaching Giam Island, I felt very satisfied,” she shared.
