Divers Urged To Respect Marine Life, Follow Ethical Guidelines 

KOTA KINABALU, March 12 (Bernama) -- The Sabah Dive Squad Club has strongly condemned a viral video showing divers manhandling marine life, including a sea turtle and a whale shark, possibly near Pulau Manukan here, said club president Sim Fui.

Urging divers to respect marine life and follow the ethical guidelines, he said such action not only violates marine conservation laws but also breach ethical diving standards that protect Sabah's marine ecosystem.

"These irresponsible action cause unnecessary stress to marine life and disrupt their natural behavior. It damages the ecosystem that makes Sabah's waters a renowned diving destination," he said in a statement here today.

The club has called for immediate action from relevant authorities to investigate the incident and identify the perpetrators.

Sim also urged all stakeholders in the diving community to maintain responsible diving practices and report any violations that could harm marine biodiversity.

"Sabah's underwater world is a privilege to experience, not a playground for reckless behavior," he emphasised.

The club has pledged to continue its collaboration with local authorities, conservation groups, and the diving community to protect Sabah's marine heritage.

Members of the public with information about the incident are encouraged to come forward to assist in the investigation.

Meanwhile, Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar when contacted confirmed that authorities are aware of the viral videos and are investigating.

-- BERNAMA