Sabah takes stern stance after tourist collects protected starfish
Christina Liew
KOTA KINABALU (May 18): The Ministry of Tourism, Culture, and Environment Sabah (KePKAS) views seriously the recent viral issue on social media regarding the collection of starfish by a tourist believed to be a Chinese national, seen on a paddleboard (stand-up-paddle) in the waters of Kota Kinabalu.
Its minister, Datuk Seri Christina Liew, said as such actions are contrary to the principles of ecotourism, which emphasise the conservation of marine life, a core value upheld by the Sabah State Government in its commitment to sustainable tourism.
'Investigations conducted by the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks (LPATTS) confirmed that the incident took place in the waters of Tanjung Aru, outside the boundaries of Tunku Abdul Rahman Park, and involved a tour company.
'A total of 30 starfish were collected, identified as the Horned Sea Star or Chocolate Chip Sea Star, known locally as tapak sulaiman bertanduk (Protoreaster nodosus).
'These starfish play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, and their removal can potentially disrupt this delicate balance,' Liew said in a statement on Sunday.
In light of this, the minister urged all tour operators to exercise greater responsibility in ensuring that their tourists and staff adhere strictly to the established guidelines and regulations, particularly those concerning the protection of marine life.
'Awareness and compliance with these regulations are vital to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem for the well-being of future generations,' she said.
Stressing that the Sabah State Government, through KePKAS, remains committed to environmental conservation efforts, Liew warned that the authorities will not hesitate to take stern action against any party found violating regulations related to wildlife and natural ecosystems in the State.
'We will be working with the relevant agencies regarding this issue,' she added.
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