KOTA KINABALU: Shark hunting and finning activities in Sabah should be banned due to the economic, sustainability and humane reasons, said social activist Tan Sri Lee Lam Thye.
Lee, in his statement, said the dwindling shark population was affecting the state’s tourism revenue, adding sharks form a significant part of Sabah’s RM345 million dive industries.
“Each year, local and international tourists and divers go to islands in Sabah, particularly Semporna to see the wonders of marine treasures including the rare and endangered sharks.
“The Australian Institute of Marine Science, based on its study a few years ago, valued a single living shark in Sabah’s waters at US$815,000 (RM3.52 million) in terms of tourism revenue to Sabah, compared with US$100 (RM431) for its fins.”
Besides the economic factor, Lee said the government had to consider the humane reason as finning involves hacking off the shark’s fins and throwing its still living body back into the sea.
“Globally, tens of millions of sharks die a slow death because of finning. Therefore, Malaysia has to tighten the regulations on the killing of wildlife, not only in the forest but also at sea.
“In the case of Sabah, it is timely that the amendment is made to the Fisheries Act to allocate a provision that prohibits shark hunting and finning activities.”