Silimpopon – The Forgotten Coal Mine
Deep in the interiors of Tawau in Kalabakan once lies a coal mine village called Silimpopon. The mine was operated by the British Empire from 1905 to 1937. The diversed community that once existed there represents what Tawau is today – a melting pot of cultures from Malaysia, Indonesia and the Philippines.
There was a book written about Silimpopon by Ross Ibbotson entitled Silimpopon : A Borneo Coal Mine (ISBN 9789833987009).
This is how Silimpopon described in the introduction:
In the early 20th century, the Silimpopon Coal Mine – the only such mine in Sabah (then known as North Bomeo) operated for more than 25 years in a remote location a few miles upriver from Tawau. Owned by the London-based Cowie Harbour Coal Company, the mine was staffed with European managers and engineers. While some locals were also employed, the majority of the mine labourers were Chinese coolies imported directly from China. At its height the mine housed a community of more than 3000, greater than the population of Tawau at that time. It was a self contained community, with its own shops, hospital and police as well as the necessary workshops. A railway with Andrew Barclay locomotives provided the only means of transport to the Silimpopon River – for both coal and people.
The following video was created by Mr. Bryan Paul Lai who is a veteran in Tawau and has a lot of stories to tell about Tawau’s past.
(2 votes, average: 5.00 out of 5)
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I love that video from Mr Bryan. Such a memorable and wonderful video of the most valuable and nostalgic pictures.Those happened 30 years before my birth to this world. Hope, to those of our friends out there who still keep these kind of photos to preserve it in an electronic way so that our newer generation would be able to see what was happening some 50 years ago or so.
@Ali: Indeed! We hope that more and more people with historical records of Tawau would come forward and contribute them for the benefits of future generations.
People during that time all looked slim and happy…
On 11.5.2012, whilst doing my job visiting Kalabakan Estate, I had the liberty
to visit the old sites where the historical mines was located at that time. Upon
reaching the several sites, I started to imagine those pioneers, expatriates, staff
personnel from Phils & workers imported from China, how they managed to adapt
to the tough jungle condition for such a challenging job is beyond anyone’s imagination.
I visited several sites i.e the concrete water canal, concrete strong room probably
what used to be a steam-engine water pump, cemetery site, a huge concrete Fan Duct
& one of the inclines or entrances into the coal tunnel. We took few coal samples as
remembrance of the visit .I also commended Kretam Plantations for Leaving the sites
unplanted with oilpalms. The vedio by Mr. Paul Lai has indeed added a strong nostalgic
Memory to the Story. Congrats to him & his team. A big tq to Mr. Robert Malodia, the
Estate Mgr for the tours. Tq also to Mr. James Ishak Asim, estate Sr.mgr of Kalabakan estate
for making the arrangment. I have a book written by Rowse Ibbotson so it made the visit
More interesting.
Sabah State Museum should gazette and take over this area and turn it as Sabah’s own “world” heritage. Thanks for the input Eddy!
Thank You Too Richard . I’ve few photos of the old Segama estate Darvel Bay Co. Limited LD
where my late father was before as one of the expatriates but I’m not sure this would be acceptable
to you as this estate was in LD District. By the way, are u the son of my friend Mr. Tony Kerr who
Was with BAL & Golden Hope Plantations before? Regards: Eddy
Thank you! Sure, please do share those photos! You can email them to info@discovertawau.com.
Yes – my dad is Mr Tony Ker, ex-BAL
Dear Eddy
Thank you for your comments.I was in Tawau in the fifties when the town was just doted with small chinese shops along the seaside, until it was razed with the big fire in 1953.On my return in 1954 and studying in Holy Trinity School,the row of temporary shops were withen walking distance from our school.
It was only in the sixtees when concrete building were erected at Chester and Dunlop street.I understand that your late father was Datuk Bridger and I knew him quite well.All you sisters and brothers were my friends during those time.I wanted to visit the Silimponpon coal mine,but to date was not able to.Hopefully withen this few months
Bryan
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