Task force set up to probe coral theft

Illegal harvest: An unidentified person loading coral harvested from waters off Semporna.

KOTA KINABALU: A special task force has been set up to look into reports that coral is being stolen from the waters of diving haven Semporna after pictures of people unloading the marine invertebrates from a boat went viral on social media.

Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the task force, which would comprise Sabah Parks and Sabah Wildlife Department, was tasked with putting a stop to such activity in waters that are also home to the renowned Pulau Sipadan. The two departments, she added, would be working with Sabah Fisheries Department to tackle the problem. “They will conduct a full investigation and take appropriate action under the law, ” Liew said yesterday.