SEMPORNA: A diving company is being investigated by authorities following a viral social media post alleging that its clients damaged the marine ecosystem off Mataking Island near here.
The Sabah Fisheries Department said it is taking public complaints seriously following allegations that the incident disturbed protected aquatic life, including green turtles (Chelonia mydas), as well as aquatic plants and coral reefs.
A representative of the Sabah Fisheries Department, Mohammad Rizal Socradji, together with enforcement officers from the Tawau and Semporna districts, held a meeting with the company responsible for bringing the foreign tourists to the area.
According to a post on the department’s Facebook page, company representatives said they had lodged a police report to refute the allegations and to protect the company’s reputation.
“They also stated that briefings and standard diving procedures had been provided to all tourists before the activities were conducted,” the department said.
However, the department said that any negligence, carelessness or failure to properly monitor tourist activities that could disturb protected marine life is a serious offence and may result in legal action.
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The tourists involved were also issued stern warning letters, reminding them to comply with fisheries laws and regulations and to refrain from any actions that could harm the marine ecosystem.
“They were informed that any future violations would result in legal action without compromise,” it said.
Individuals found violating relevant provisions may face legal action, including fines of up to RM20,000, imprisonment of up to two years, or both, under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) and the Fisheries Regulations 1999.
The Sabah Fisheries Department also encouraged members of the public to provide any relevant information to the nearest Fisheries Office to assist enforcement efforts and support the conservation of Sabah’s fisheries resources and marine ecosystems.
-NewStraitsTime
