ESM Goh encounters interesting marine life at Semakau

AsiaOne 30 Nov 15;

It was life in the fast lane for Emeritus Senior Minister Goh Chok Tong after he was sworn in as Prime Minister 25 years ago.

Last Saturday, which was the silver anniversary of his inauguration as Singapore's second premier, Mr Goh enjoyed "life in the slow lane" when he visited Semakau island's inter-tidal reef flat, which hosts a vibrant marine habitat.

Writing on his Facebook page on his leisurely experience and encounters, the MP for Marine Parade GRC saw interesting species of marine life, from a red egg crab and an octopus to blue finger-like corals to a gigantic sandfish sea cucumber.

"I saw a knobby sea star, a common sea star which has lost one leg, a pair of sea stars in pseudo mating embrace, a red egg crab, a metre long black sea cucumber, a gigantic sand fish sea cucumber, an octopus, and sponges," he wrote in his post.

Semakau, which is about 8km south of Singapore, became a bigger island after it was joined with Pulau Seking.

The elder statesman also gave advice on visiting the island, which is used as a landfill. Visits to the reef flat are by appointment only with the Lee Kong Chian Natural History Museum.

Visitors also need to obtain the services of professional guides, not just for your own safety, but also for the safety of the animals "living placidly and unhurriedly there", said Mr Goh.

"They can be trampled upon. Life in the slow lane has its stresses too," he quipped.

From MParader facebook post