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Borneo Post
01-06-2025
- General
- Borneo Post
Reviving rivers: History and success of Sabah Tagal System
Tagal ecotourism history was created on 19th November 2006 when senior fisheries officers from Putrajaya collected money and passed to the chairman of Tagal Luanti, Jeprin Majangki. In the past, rivers in Sabah teemed with fish. However, with global population growth and rising demand for freshwater fish, many of these aquatic ecosystems began to suffer from overfishing and environmental degradation. In response, local communities across Sabah, as well as in other parts of the world — including Indonesia, Bangladesh and Malawi — developed traditional conservation practices to protect and replenish fish stocks in their rivers. In Sabah, these efforts eventually evolved into what is now recognized as the Sabah Tagal System, a fisheries co-management model combining indigenous wisdom with modern ecological principles with support of the fisheries department. Success of Tagal system in Kiulu. The Origins of Bombon and Tagal in Sabah The practice of Tagal/Bombon — derived from the Kadazan-Dusun language meaning 'prohibition' — originated among Sabah's indigenous communities. In Kota Belud and Kiulu, the local call it Bombon and Penampang they call it Tagal. The system involves a community-enforced fishing ban in designated river sections, allowing fish populations to regenerate. The term Bombon/Tagal signified the prohibition of fishing within the river sections. Jephrin Wong started the Sabah Fisheries Department model Tagal experiment in 2002. But in 2004 at Sabah first Tagal Seminar organized by Sabah Fisheries Department, the term Bombon and Tagal was formally renamed as Sabah Tagal System. The first efforts to implement the Bombon system dates back to the 1980s. In Kota Belud, native chief Hj Razali Goroh of Kampung Taginambur led the initiative in 1988 in response to declining fish stocks. In Kiulu, similar efforts were initiated by native chief Rampas bin Gumai in 1980s, with the system officially revived and launched in 1998 at Kampung Malangang Baru, Malangang Lama, Tambung and Namadan by then-Chief Minister Tan Sri Bernard Dompok, according to former district officer Tuaran Ariffin Gadait. In Penampang, the initiative was introduced in 1997 by Vitalis Galasun, a member of the Kampung Notoruss Village Development and Security Committee and a former Fisheries Department staff. These pioneering efforts laid the foundation for a broader, more structured approach to river conservation. Under the traditional system, strict rules were enforced by the community. Fishing was only permitted once a year, and violators faced penalties (known locally as sogit), which could include fines or livestock. The harvested fish were distributed among registered community members. Government Support and Scientific Innovation by Sabah Fisheries Department In 1999, after being appointed Head of the Inland Fisheries Division of the Sabah Fisheries Department, Jephrin Wong met with Hj Razali Goroh 2001, who suggested strengthening the Bombon system with institutional and material support. In 2002, Sabah Fisheries Department began to apply small funding from the state to finance the operation, research and development of the Tagal system project. In January 2002 Jephrin established a model Tagal site at the Fisheries Department's Babagon freshwater fisheries station, where scientific studies were conducted on fish behavior, spawning cycle and river ecosystems to get first-hand information on improving the Tagal system. By 2004, the population of this prized species mahseer (pelian or kelah) had rebounded, showcasing the effectiveness of blending traditional conservation with scientific methods. The research also confirmed that the endangered mahseer could be tamed and could recognize people, revealing significant potential for ecotourism Sabah Fisheries Department introducing Tagal Zoning System in 2004 Recognizing the need for broader implementation, Jephrin introduced the Tagal zoning system. The Sabah Fisheries Department launched the world's first Tagal Zoning System in late 2004. This new model divided river sections into three distinct zones: Red Zone: Strictly protected for conservation, ecotourism and catch-and-release fishing Yellow Zone: Seasonal fishing under regulated supervision Green Zone: Year-round fishing using traditional and eco-friendly practices This zoning system was first introduced at Babagon and quickly proved effective, benefiting local communities through conservation and sustainable income. The introduction of zoning system (red, yellow and green) at Tagal sites has triggered great attractions to many stakeholders in Malaysia and other countries. The Official Launch of the Sabah Tagal System by Sabah Minister of Agriculture, Fisheries and Food Industry in 2004 The first Tagal Seminar was held on November 25, 2004, led by the Sabah Fisheries Department and officiated by Datuk Rahim Ismail, then Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry. The term 'Sabah Tagal System' was officially adopted, with over 40 Tagal system community leaders and government representatives in attendance. Top river fish anglers and experts from Kuala Lumpur and Singapore as well as fishing magazine editor gave their comments on potential of catch and release fishing at Sabah Tagal system sites. An outreach event was subsequently held at Babagon, attended by NGOs led by Datuk Wilfred Lingham, former Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Tourism and Environment. Renowned figures from the angling community, including the editor of Angling Magazine (Kuala Lumpur) and Pak Amin from Fly Fishing Singapore, were also invited, helping popularize catch-and-release practices and fish spa tourism. Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment 2003 The Tagal system (Community Fisheries Management Zone), has been incorporated into the Sabah Inland Fisheries and Aquaculture Enactment 2003, placing it under the jurisdiction of the Sabah Fisheries Department Milestones and Expansion of Sabah Tagal system 2004: Penampang became the first district to implement the zoning-based modern Tagal system and pioneered ecotourism on catch-and-release fishing. 2006: Tagal Luanti in Ranau pioneered eco-tourism activities such as fish spas and fish feeding venture. 2005-2007: Tagal system expanded to Sarawak in 2005 and Pahang in 2007 2009-2011: The Tagal system expanded to marine environments, including artificial reef conservation in Kuala Penyu in 2009 and sea cucumber habitats on Jambongan Island in 2011. Notable recognitions on success of Tagal system: Sabah Most Outstanding Environmental Friendly Project Award 2005 to Sabah Fisheries Department by Sabah Ministry of Tourism & Environment. Tagal system Luanti, Ranau won River Care Award 2006 with the help of Sabah Fisheries Department. River Care Award 2006 to Tagal Luanti by Global Environment Centre, Kuala Lumpur. Special Achievement Award to Sabah Fisheries Department 2009 presented by the Chief Minister of Sabah. Economic and Cultural Impact Tagal system has become a significant source of sustainable river fish and income for rural communities. The local community can do ecotourism activities to create new source of income at red zone and harvest more fish (at yellow zone) during seasonal fishing and at green zone, whole-year fishing through sustainable fishing. Beginning 2005 the Babagon and Penampang Tagal sites began attracting both local and international anglers in 2005, generating revenue from guide services, entry fees and so on. In 2006, Tagal Luanti in Ranau officially launched its fish spa and fish feeding venture. During a visit on November 19, 2006, by 20 senior officers from the Putrajaya Fisheries Department led by Dr Sukarno Wagiman (Director of Conservation Division), they were willing to be the first paying visitors. This marked the formal birth of Tagal ecotourism in Sabah and Malaysia. From 2007 onwards, many other Tagal sites in Sabah and Sarawak follow suit. Jephrin Wong attended the first Tagal launching in Sarawak. It was held in Lawas on 12th August 2005. From Local Traditional to National Model Tagal system By 2025, the number of Tagal sites in Sabah had grown from just over 40 in 2002 to 642 across 23 districts, involving more than 232 rivers according to Sabah Fisheries Department. The success of the Sabah model inspired other Malaysian states. Sarawak adopted the system in August 2005, followed by Pahang in 2007. As of 2024, Sarawak has more than 140 active Tagal sites according to Sarawak Agriculture Department. The key difference between the old and modern Tagal system lies in structure and economic viability. The traditional approach allowed only one annual harvest with no tourism component. Other districts and other states in Malaysia are not keen to adopt the old Tagal system. The modern Tagal system introduced zoning, making conservation economically attractive and sustainable; a win-win to all stakeholders.. A Model for the World The Sabah Tagal System has been recognized as a pioneering example of successful Fisheries Co Management system. It demonstrates how indigenous knowledge, when supported by government policy and scientific research, can become a tool for sustainable development. The system has received praise from high-level figures, including former Prime Minister Tun Abdullah Ahmad Badawi, who commended its success during a national exhibition in 2006. In conclusion, what began as a local conservation tradition has evolved into a dynamic and sustainable fisheries management model — one that restores rivers, empowers communities, and inspires the world. We say big thank you to the pioneers: Hj Razali Goroh, Rampas Gumpai and Vitalis Galasun and credit should be given to Sabah Fisheries Department headed by Jephrin Wong for introducing Tagal system site zonings (red, yellow and green) in 2004 which had attracted many stakeholders in Malaysia and worldwide and to Datuk Wilfred Lingham for his strong support since 2002.
Borneo Post
05-05-2025
- Borneo Post
Club urges stricter action against fish bombing, illegal spearfishing
Sim and Monica KOTA KINABALU (May 5): The Sabah Dive Squad Club has urged authorities to step up enforcement against rampant fish bombing and illegal spearfishing. Its president, Sim Fui, said those destructive marine practices are a growing threat to marine ecosystems and the diving industry in Sabah. 'These destructive acts are not only damaging our marine biodiversity but also pose life-threatening risks to divers, destroy coral reefs that are vital to Sabah's tourism and the only living resources for coastal indigenous fishermen community. 'Those responsible must face the most severe legal consequences. There is no excuse for leniency when the stakes are this high. 'Sabah's ocean assets are priceless, and we cannot afford to be passive. Protecting them is not just about preserving nature — it's about securing the future of our coastal communities and sustaining a billion-ringgit tourism sector,' Sim said in a statement after the club's annual general meeting here on Sunday. He added that fish bombing and spearfishing, especially in popular dive zones, could cripple Sabah's reputation as a premier diving destination in the region. He also called for greater collaboration between enforcement agencies, dive operators, and conservation groups to prevent further degradation of Sabah's marine habitats. In 2019, two China nationals and a local dive instructor in Semporna were killed by dynamite fishing while scuba diving off Semporna waters. According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, the scuba diving industry has brought Sabah over RM500 million in income in a year. Also speaking after the AGM, club member and conservation advocate Monica Chin shared recent alarming experiences from her dive team. 'We encountered three separate bomb blasts during just one dive session. It was terrifying. There was a day where eight fish bombings happened in a day in the same area. 'In addition, we have received reports of scuba divers spearfishing in areas like Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, and popular dive sites in Kota Belud. 'It is just a matter of time for divers to get injured due to spearfishing to happen and affect the diving industry,' she said. She added that the excuse of a lack of resources or manpower to patrol and enforce the sea is no longer valid. 'During the Covid-19 pandemic, enforcement agencies managed to impose strict movement controls and monitor large areas effectively. 'That same level of coordination and urgency should now be directed at seriously protecting our asset marine environment,' she said. Established in June 2022, the Sabah Dive Squad Club – also known as Deus Diving Club (DDC) – has grown to over 100 members from diverse professional backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to responsible diving and ocean conservation.
New Straits Times
05-05-2025
- New Straits Times
Sabah Dive Club sounds alarm over fish bombing, spearfishing threats to marine tourism
KOTA KINABALU: Despite Sabah being renowned as its diving destination, it raised concerns that rampant destructive and dangerous activities might affect the industry. Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui said there had been reports of fish bombing and spearfishing around dive sites in the state. "These destructive acts are not only damaging our marine biodiversity, but also pose life-threatening risks to divers as well as destroy coral reefs that are vital to Sabah's tourism and the only living resources for coastal indigenous fishermen community. "Those responsible must face the most severe legal consequences. There is no excuse for leniency when the stakes are this high. "Sabah's ocean assets are priceless, and we cannot afford to be passive. Protecting them is not just about preserving nature — it's about securing the future of our coastal communities and sustaining a billion-ringgit tourism sector," Sim said after the club annual general meeting here yesterday. He called for greater collaboration between enforcement agencies, dive operators and conservation groups to prevent further degradation of Sabah's marine habitats. In 2019, two China nationals and a local dive instructor in Semporna were killed by dynamite fishing while scuba diving off Semporna waters. According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, the scuba diving industry has brought Sabah over RM500 million in income in a year. Club member and conservation advocate Monica Chin shared recent alarming experiences from her dive team. "We encountered three bomb blasts during just one dive session. It was terrifying. There was a day where eight fish bombings occurred in a day in the same area. "In addition, we have received reports of scuba divers spearfishing in areas like Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar and a popular dive site in Kota Belud. "It is just a matter of time for divers to get injured due to spearfishing to happen and affect the diving industry," She added that the excuse of a lack of resources or manpower to patrol the sea is no longer valid. "During the Covid-19 pandemic, enforcement agencies managed to impose strict movement controls and monitor large areas effectively. "That same level of coordination and urgency should now be directed at seriously protecting our asset marine environment." Established in June 2022, the Sabah Dive Squad Club — also known as Deus Diving Club — has grown to over 100 members from diverse professional backgrounds, united by a shared commitment to responsible diving and ocean conservation.
