KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah diving association has urged authorities to take firm action against the individuals who recorded themselves restraining a sea turtle and harassing a whale shark at one of Sabah’s popular dive spots.
Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui condemned these actions as “irresponsible and unethical,” stressing that they violated marine conservation laws and ethical diving standards.
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“As a responsible diving community, we firmly uphold the principles of marine protection," he said in a statement on Wednesday (March 12).
"Harassing, touching, or restraining marine animals, especially protected species like sea turtles and whale sharks, is not only unacceptable but also harmful to their well-being.
“Such actions cause unnecessary stress to marine life, disrupt natural behaviour, and damage the very ecosystem that makes Sabah’s waters a global diving treasure."
Sim urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and identify those involved in the incidents, which reportedly took place near Manukan Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.
The area is known for its diverse marine life, healthy coral reefs teeming with fish, and even rare black coral.
“Sabah’s underwater world is a privilege to experience, not a playground for reckless behaviour.
"The Sabah Dive Squad Club remains committed to advocating for ethical diving and will continue working alongside local authorities, conservation groups, and the diving community to protect and preserve our marine heritage,” he said.
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He also encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in ensuring accountability.
“Let us work together to uphold Sabah’s reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible diving,” he added.
A 30-second video of one incident shows several divers surrounding a sea turtle, gripping its shell and limbs as it struggles to break free. Despite its distress, the divers continue holding it down and posing for the camera.
In a separate one-minute video, a diver is seen holding onto a whale shark as it swims, while another diver at the surface laughs loudly as if celebrating the act.
Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar confirmed that authorities are aware of the viral videos and are investigating.
In June, a similar case was investigated when divers were seen touching a sea turtle and engaging in illegal spearfishing near an island off Semporna.
Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, sea turtles are listed under Appendix I, meaning they are fully protected by law.
Disturbing or handling them without authorisation is strictly prohibited, with enforcement falling under the Sabah Wildlife Department’s jurisdiction.
Violators could face legal action, including fines.
