Sabah Dive Squad Urges Tougher Action Against Fish Bombing, Illegal Spearfishing

5 May 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Dive Squad Club has called on enforcement authorities to intensify their crackdown on fish bombing and illegal spearfishing, describing the destructive practices as a major threat to state’s marine ecosystems and its thriving diving industry.

Club president Sim Fui said such activities not only endanger marine biodiversity but also pose serious risks to divers and coastal communities that rely on healthy reef systems for their livelihoods.

“These destructive acts are not only damaging our marine biodiversity but also pose life-threatening risks to divers and destroy coral reefs that are vital to Sabah’s tourism and the only living resources for coastal indigenous fishing communities,” he said in a statement today.

Sim stressed that those responsible must face the full weight of the law, with no tolerance for leniency.

“Sabah’s ocean assets are priceless, and we cannot afford to be passive. Protecting them is not just about preserving nature—it’s about securing the future of our coastal communities and sustaining a billion-ringgit tourism sector,” he said.

He also warned that continued fish bombing and spearfishing in key dive zones could cripple Sabah’s international reputation as a premier diving destination.

Sim further urged stronger collaboration between enforcement agencies, dive operators, and conservation organisations to prevent further degradation of the state’s marine habitats.

In 2019, two Chinese nationals and a local dive instructor were killed in Semporna following a fish bombing incident, highlighting the deadly consequences of the illegal activity.

According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, the scuba diving industry contributes more than RM500 million annually to the state’s economy.

Echoing the club’s concerns, conservation advocate and club member Monica Chin recounted a recent dive where her team encountered three separate bomb blasts during a single session.

“There was one day where we recorded eight fish bombing incidents in the same area. It was terrifying,” she said.

Chin also revealed that reports have been received of scuba divers engaging in spearfishing in areas such as Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, and a popular dive site in Kota Belud.

“It is just a matter of time before divers are injured due to spearfishing, and this will have a serious impact on the diving industry,” Chin said.

She dismissed claims of limited enforcement capacity, citing the coordinated efforts undertaken during the COVID-19 pandemic as proof that effective patrols and monitoring are achievable.

“During the pandemic, enforcement agencies managed to impose strict movement controls and monitor large areas effectively. That same level of coordination and urgency should now be directed at seriously protecting our marine environment,” she added.

Founded in June 2022, the Sabah Dive Squad Club – also known as Deus Diving Club (DDC) – currently has over 100 members from various professional backgrounds who are united in their commitment to responsible diving and marine conservation.