KOTA KINABALU: Heavy punishment should be meted out against those who use explosive devices to catch fish in Sabah waters.
Chief Minister Datuk Seri Mohd Shafie Apdal said fish bombing not only endangered lives but also caused health issues when such fishes were consumed.
Calling upon authorities to investigate the source of the explosives as well as find the best way to solve the illegal and unlawful activity, he said: "I hope strict action is taken against them, especially those who have been using fish bombing for a long time.
"We need to be firm, how they get it (fish bomb)…whether from here or from outside the country. There is a need to investigate before any solution can be implemented.
Speaking to reporters after 2019 Petronas Education Sponsorship Awards here, Shafie was responding to the incident which saw two China tourists and a dive instructor killed, believed to be due to fish bombing off Kulapuan island in Semporna waters.
Present were Sabah Education and Innovation minister Datuk Dr Yusof Yacob and Petronas chairman Datuk Ahmad Nizam Salleh.
Shafie added that consumption fish caught via the use of explosives could also be unhealthy.