Strict action to be taken against fish‑bombing incident at the Coral Reef Restoration Site
- nabalunews
- 1 hour ago
- 2 min read
25 May 2026
KOTA KINAVALU: Datuk Jafry Ariffin, Minister of Tourism Culture and Environment view with great seriousness, and express sorrow and frustration the fish‑bombing incident that occurred within the Coral Reef Restoration Site at Selakan Island, Tun Sakaran.
He said. "Initial information was received from an Honorary Park Ranger on 23 May 2026 at approximately 11:40 a.m., but the suspect is believed to have fled before the TMTS enforcement team arrived."
Jafry said preliminary monitoring by the Community Marine Conservation Group (CMCG) on 23 May identified two craters believed to result from fish‑bomb explosions, and further checks on 25 May by the TMTS Marine Research Unit with Reef Check Malaysia and CMCG confirmed serious damage to the marine ecosystem.
"Field assessment found that at least 10 reef star frames were affected, with damage covering approximately 15 square metres, equivalent to 2.91 per cent of the entire restoration area," he said.
"Most of the affected coral species were Acropora, Pocillopora, Fimbriaphyllia, Montipora, Porites and Plerogyra, species that have been conserved and restored continuously over the past two years through restoration efforts involving multiple parties."
He warned of significant financial and ecological losses. "An initial estimate indicates that maintenance and restoration costs for the affected area amount to around RM96,000, in addition to damage to reef star structures estimated at about RM3,000. An ecosystem service evaluation also shows that this area holds very high ecological and marine‑resource value."
Jafry described the incident as deeply concerning for its threat to conservation efforts, fisheries, marine biodiversity and visitor safety, and for its potential to damage Sabah’s reputation as an international nature‑tourism destination.
Highlighting enforcement challenges, he noted the extensive open‑sea boundaries of TMTS, limited enforcement assets including boats, and the absence of a permanent substation or control post on Selakan Island.
"I have asked the management of Sabah Parks to review and strengthen strategic measures to enhance enforcement operational capacity, including asset and logistics placement, use of technologies such as drones, and bolstering the physical presence of enforcement teams in high‑risk areas to improve control and protection within TMTS," he said.
He also called on the maritime community and local fishers to assist. "I urge the maritime community, local fishers and all relevant stakeholders to continue playing their role as strategic partners in safeguarding the state’s marine treasures by promptly reporting any suspicious activity or intrusions within the park."
Jafry stressed that the State Government’s zero‑tolerance approach.
"The State Government will not compromise on any form of intrusion or activity that threatens the sustainability of natural resources within protected areas. Firm action will be taken against anyone found to have breached the relevant legal provisions to ensure Sabah’s biodiversity is preserved for future generations."
