In a bid to protect their declining shark population, Malaysia’s Sabah state has proposed a complete ban on shark hunting for their fins. This is fantastic news for conservationists and diving enthusiasts alike!

Sabah, Malaysian Borneo boasts some of the richest waters in the world and contains the impressive dive sites of Sipadan Island, Kapalai and Mabul, Mataking, Lankayan Island and Layang Layang.
Some of the delights they offer are; vast numbers of hammerhead sharks, turtles, barracuda and bumphead parrotfish, as well as diverse corals and some of the best macro diving in the world.

The proposed ban, the first of its kind in Malaysia, comes as a result of the steady decline of sharks in the area in recent years. State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun says the situation is becoming critical and only 20% of the original population of this creature now remains. There are still fours areas where sharks can be readily spotted but something has to be done to prevent any further decline.

The state government aims to introduce the ban by the end of the year. It is also working with non-governmental groups to help educate the public on the need to protect sharks and to stop eating shark fin soup. The dish has already been taken off the menu of the government’s official functions and airport bar retailers have been urged to ban it’s sale too.

So the future looks bright for the shark population in Sabah state. If you’ve not experienced the fabulous diving this area has to offer yet, then take the plunge now – you wont be disappointed!

Would you like to experience diving in Sabah? Then contact Dive The World to find out more about the dive resort options or you may prefer to maximise your dive time with a liveaboard cruise. Please send us an email or call us on +66 (0)94 582 7973 / (0)83 505 7794.