Sabah authorities investigating video of divers touching turtles and spearfishing in Semporna

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah wildlife and fisheries authorities are investigating a video of divers touching marine life and using spear guns to hunt for fish.

The 25-second clip, shared through social media, is believed to have been taken near an island off the state’s east coast Semporna district.

The incident is believed to have involved foreign tourists staying at one of the resorts there.

In one instance, a diver could be seen petting a turtle before finger-knocking the head of the animal.

In the clip, divers were also seen shooting fish using spear guns near the sea bed and in coral reefs.

A screengrab from the video showing a diver touching a turtle.

“Touching turtles are not allowed under our enactment,” said Sabah Wildlife director Augustine Tuuga, referring to the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997.

“We will investigate and take necessary steps to prevent a recurrence,” he added when contacted on Thursday (June 6).

State fisheries director Azhar Kassim said that his department would investigate the video.

“Spear gun is an illegal gear and is prohibited. And we have not issued a licence (for the spearguns)… using this is considered IUU (illegal, unreported and unregulated) fishing,” he said.

It is understood that the Semporna Professional Divers Association (SPDA) will soon lodge a formal complaint with the authorities regarding the incident.

A diver hunting fish hiding in a coral reef using a spear gun.

Reef Check Malaysia programme manager Adzmin Fatta said they had reported the matter to the relevant government agencies.

He said he knew the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry was developing better standard operating procedures (SOPs) for marine-based recreation activities.

This, Adzmin said, the government wanted to include eco-friendly practices to promote sustainable tourism.