Kota Kinabalu: The State Government does not condone the sale of shark fins and shark finning practices in Sabah.
Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew expressed concern on the matter, following claims that shark fins are still being sold openly in a shop in Sinsuran.
“We should not cut the shark fins off,” she said after launching the 15th anniversary of the “The Environmental Magazine” publication and Sabah Nature Photography Exhibition at Kota Kinabalu High School (KKHS), here, Wednesday. Christina
On Wednesday, a group of divers and dive training agencies called on the State Government to make a stand on banning shark finning in Sabah.
This follows photos of two tray full of shark fins being sold at the shop, which Sabah Parks Protection Association Chairman Aderick Chong said were snapped by tourists who felt disturbed by the sight.
“This is yet to be confirmed by Sabah Wildlife Director Augustine Tuuga,” Christina said, adding she will verify the matter with Augustine and make another statement soon.
In another development, Christina regretted the air-conditioning problem at Kota Kinabalu International Airport (KKIA), especially now that more international tourists are expected to visit Sabah with the reopening of their borders.
The Api-Api Assemblywoman said the airport management is doing their best to rectify the situation and will likely get it fixed by next week.
However, Christina commended the management for their efforts to maintain the airport’s facilities, which have shown signs of overall improvement.
“I have been informed constantly by airport patrons that things have improved. The lights are bright, up to 10 immigration counters are open and the toilet cleanliness has improved also, they are not always wet. So this is commendable of the airport management,” she said.
Earlier, Christina announced a contribution of RM10,000 to enable “The Environmental Magazine” editorial team, led by Editor cum Publisher Tsen Kim Poh, to continue their good work.
In the same vein, she commended the KKHS Board of Trustees for having an orchard in the school’s back garden, which creates a green environment whilst promoting environmental protection, and called on other schools to emulate the move.
“I am pleased to learn that the Peizhong Board plans to allow tourist groups to visit the school after the fruits have ripened,” she said.
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