A RECENT visitor to Manukan Island is upset that visitors still feed the fish around the popular islands within Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park (TARP) off Kota Kinabalu, Sabah.
Carlota Ricardo, 31, from Penampang, said she was baffled to see such action despite the ban by Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry years ago.
She claimed she even advised the visitors not to feed the fish but her words fell on deaf ears.
“As far as I know, fish feeding around the islands within TARP has been banned unless it has been lifted and feeding is now allowed.
“I am against fish feeding because such action will change the natural behaviour of marine life.
“We should not allow the fish, being in their natural environment, to be dependent on humans for survival.
“I also don’t see Sabah Parks’ staff patrolling the beach to monitor visitors’ activities or to warn them against any wrongdoing,” she said.
Sabah Parks manages six marine parks —TARP, Pulau Tiga Park, Turtle Islands Park, Tun Sakaran Marine Park, Sipadan Island Park and Tun Mustapha Park.
The TARP consists of five popular islands. These are Manukan, Mamutik, Sapi, Sulug, and Gaya, which are located between a 10- and 15-minute boat ride from the state capital.
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Sabah Parks TARP manager Anthony Tinggi confirmed fish feeding was banned within the marine parks, noting they would put up more signboards along the beaches of the islands.
“We don’t have enough staff to monitor all visitors but when we do catch people feeding the fish, we usually advise them against doing so.
“We don’t want to take punitive action against the visitors because they may not be aware of the ban.
“However, if they act aggressively towards our staff after the advice, then we will not hesitate to issue a compound,” he said.
He added that the maximum fine for the offence was RM3,000.