KOTA KINABALU: Despite complaints of the use of poison and other illegal tools to fish in rivers in the state, nobody has been arrested or prosecuted in the past few years, says Assistant Sabah Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry Minister Peto Galim.
“These offenders or suspects were cunning and would get rid of evidence very quickly once word of their activities got out,” he said.
Galim was speaking during Question Time at the state assembly yesterday about the trouble that the authorities faced in trying to nab and prosecute culprits behind such illegal acts.
He said spearguns, electrocution and poisoning were among modes of fishing that were forbidden, and that it was the duty of local or community leaders such as village chiefs to monitor activities in their areas.
Offenders can be fined up to RM50,000 or jailed for a maximum of two years, or both, upon conviction, he added.
“Apart from civil laws, native laws in villages also allow village chiefs or local leaders to penalise offenders,” he said.
On a supplementary question by Datuk Jonnybone Kurum (Gabungan Rakyat Sabah-Telupid) about alleged river poisoning in two districts between Labuk (Sandakan) and Telupid, Galim said the authorities were unaware of it.
“We have not received information on this. However, we will investigate and give a written report about it,” the Inanam assemblyman (Pakatan Harapan) replied.
In response, Kurum said it was surprising that such a serious issue was not known as he had informed the Fisheries Department about the matter, which, he added, had been widely circulated on social media.
Earlier, the assembly heard that measures were in place to curb illegal fishing in Sabah rivers, which are also used as a source for bathing and cooking.
Galim said enforcement was being strengthened, dialogues and awareness campaigns were being held, while more Tagal (native conservation areas) were created.
There is currently a total of 628 Tagal involving 227 rivers being cared for by the natives in the state.
