KOTA KINABALU: Decades-old issue of fish bombing could become a thing of the past, as enforcement efforts transition towards full digitalisation and the use of marine forensic techniques for more efficient detection and prevention.
“While enforcement has slightly reduced these activities, the problem remains persistent, particularly in areas like Kota Kinabalu, Kudat, Sandakan, Tawau, and Semporna, the most severely affected region,” said Sabah Fisheries Department senior enforcement officer (enforcement and monitoring), Ruzlee Jumatin.
He highlighted this initiative during the "Protecting Semporna’s Marine Environment from Plastic Pollution and Fish Bombing" conference, held at the Sabah International Convention Centre on Tuesday (Dec 10).
The event was jointly organised by the German Embassy, Blu Hope, and Stop Fish Bombing Malaysia.
He said between 2020 and 2024, the department conducted 1,086 operations, resulting in 140 cases, 68 arrests, and the seizure of 5,805kg of bomb-caught fish worth RM69,660.
To address this, the department employs two primary legal frameworks - the Federal Fisheries Act 1985 and the Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment 2003. Violators face fines of up to RM20,000 and potential imprisonment.
Beyond digitalisation, Ruzlee outlined additional measures, including amendments to the Fisheries Act, recruitment of more personnel, and upgrading logistics and equipment.
The department is also enhancing expert witness training and expanding interagency cooperation with Customs, Immigration, and other enforcement bodies.
Fish bombing, a destructive practice dating back to World War II, involves using homemade explosives to stun and kill fish.
Modern fish bombers craft explosives from artificial fertilisers and urea with detonators often sourced from neighbouring countries.
These blasts not only kill targeted fish but also destroy entire marine ecosystems, particularly coral reefs and schooling fish populations.
With full digitalisation and intensified enforcement, the hope is that this harmful practice will soon be eradicated, preserving Sabah’s rich marine biodiversity for future generations.
