Spearfishing incident illegal and dangerous, says Club
Published on: Saturday, June 08, 2024
Spearfishing activity believed in Semporna recently.
Kota Kinabalu: A recent viral video showing a scuba diver using a spear gun to kill fish in Semporna does not reflect ethics and practices of responsible diving, which emphasise conservation and respect for marine life.
Sabah Dive Squad Club (also known as Deus Diving Club) President Sim Fui said the club is deeply concerned with the recent incident as the act is not only illegal as clarified by the Fisheries Department but also goes against core values and principles that the club upholds.
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Furthermore, he said using a spear gun while scuba diving poses significant safety risks.
“Such action could accidentally harm other divers in the vicinity, creating a dangerous underwater environment.
Sim Fui
“The safety of all divers is paramount, and reckless behaviour of this kind cannot be tolerated,” Sim said in a statement, Friday.
He was commenting on a 25-second clip shared through social media, showing divers using spear guns to hunt for fish and touching marine life, believed to have been taken near an island off Semporna.
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It was also believed to have involved foreign tourists staying at one of the resorts in the district.
The video clip also showed the divers shooting fish using spear guns near the sea bed and coral reefs.
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Sim said the club, which has about 100 members, is committed to promoting sustainable diving practices and educating members and the public on the importance of preserving our natural marine environments.
“We urge all divers to adhere to the laws and regulations governing our waters and to act as stewards of the marine environment.
“Let this incident serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish the underwater world for future generations,” he said.
Sabah Fisheries Department and Sabah Wildlife Department are probing a video of divers using spear guns to kill fish and touching marine life which is an illegal gear and prohibited, as well as touching turtles are not allowed under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.
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