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Kota Kinabalu: KOTA KINABALU: Sabah Dive Squad Club (Deus Diving Club) has welcomed the enforcement of the Fisheries (Amendment) Act 2025, describing it as a significant step towards protecting marine biodiversity and combating illegal, unreported and unregulated fishing.

Its president, Sim Fui (pic), said the club particularly welcomed tougher penalties for offences involving disturbances to aquatic mammals and sea turtles, with fines of up to RM250,000 under the amended legislation.

He said Sabah's internationally recognised marine attractions, including Sipadan, Mabul, Kapalai, Semporna, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park and the Turtle Islands, require stronger protection due to their ecological and tourism value.

Sim said recent incidents involving the handling of sea turtles and disturbance of whale sharks underscored the need for greater public awareness, stricter enforcement and responsible behaviour among divers and visitors.

He also called for mandatory conservation briefings, improved educational programmes and stronger collaboration between authorities, dive operators, conservation groups and local communities to safeguard Sabah's marine heritage.