Latest news with #NicholasPilcher
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- New Straits Times
KK City Hall checking fish sold at markets in clampdown against fish-bombing
KOTA KINABALU: City authorities here are taking action to curb fish-bombing off the city's coast by clamping down on the sale of fish caught using the method. Mayor Datuk Seri Sabin Samitah said that Kota Kinabalu City Hall (DBKK), along with the Health Department and Fisheries Department, were conducting frequent inspections at local markets to detect fish caught using explosives. Fishery inspectors typically look out for signs of internal trauma, such as sunken bodies, broken bones, bloodshot eyes, damaged gills, bruising, soft flesh, and an unusually sour or decomposed smell. "If bombed fish are found, City Hall's first action is to cancel the trader's license. We are doing a few inspections (at the market) in a month. "The Agriculture Ministry will also take enforcement action," he told the media after the unveiling of the city's second marine waste collection vessel at Gaya Island Resort here. The vessel, named Mobula-8, was donated by a Swiss-based non-governmental organisation to the Marine Research Foundation (MRF) here. The first vessel, which was operated by City Hall, was launched in January. Recently, the Sabah Dive Squad Club had called on the authorities to take action against rampant spear-fishing and fish-bombing in the state's waters. The methods are very dangerous and destructive, and may cause injury or death to scuba divers. MRF founder Dr Nicholas Pilcher was asked by the media whether it would be feasible to attach a fish-bombing detection device to a skimming boat patrolling off the city's coast. "Our goal is not to take the boat anywhere near explosive areas. But, having been here for 30 years, I can tell you that fish-bombing is now a fraction of what it used to be. "It's not eliminated, but it has gone down tremendously. People have more opportunities now to earn a living through other means," he said.
New Straits Times
07-05-2025
- General
- New Straits Times
Second marine waste collection vessel launched in Kota Kinabalu
KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will use data from collected marine debris to better manage plastic pollution in its waters. The state capital's second marine waste collection vessel was launched today. The Mobula-8 can collect up to two tonnes of rubbish at a time. It was donated by Swiss non-governmental organisation The SeaCleaners to the Marine Research Foundation (MRF). The vessel complements Kota Kinabalu City Hall's (DBKK) skimmer boat launched in January that can collect up to five tonnes of marine debris. MRF founder Dr Nicholas Pilcher said the Mobula-8 reflects a broader commitment to targeted interventions and collaborative solutions to address marine plastic pollution at its source. "Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues globally. "As a major hub for fisheries and tourism, Kota Kinabalu is especially vulnerable to plastic pollution," he said at the launch of Mobula-8 at an island here. In 2010, Malaysia generated some 0.94 million tonnes of mismanaged plastic waste, of which about 14.9 to 39.4 per cent have entered the ocean. In 2012, Sabah's recycling rate stood at just 8.6 per cent, with Kota Kinabalu households recycling as little as 4.5 per cent. He said the Mobula-8 crew would sort and categorise collected waste to support more effective waste management strategies. "As part of efforts to tackle this challenge, DBKK has introduced a range of initiatives, including banning single-use plastic bags and promoting the recycling of e-waste and used cooking oil. "The long-term plan is to use the data (from the collected waste) to develop targeted programmes that address those types of waste. "If it turns out that bottles are our biggest problem and there's less of other things, we can prioritise our efforts in that area." Kota Kinabalu Mayor Datuk Seri Dr Sabin Samitah, who officiated the launch of the boat, warned that marine waste threatened not only biodiversity, but also the tourism industry. "We've seen social media users comment on marine pollution, especially in popular destinations on the East Coast. They say if the waste isn't handled properly, they won't return. "We don't want that to happen in Kinabalu. We hope to acquire two more skimmer boats before the end of this year." He said the city planned to engage local authorities and stakeholders to reduce the use of plastic bottles. Earlier, MRF signed a memorandum of understanding with Gaya Island Resort to formalise a strategic partnership focused on innovation in waste collection, sea turtle conservation and broader environmental protection.
