NEW YORK: Asian shares rose after President Donald Trump played down fears of a recession, which helped US stocks stage a late recovery after whipsawing all day.
A screengrab showing a diver gripping the struggling sea turtle ’s shell while the other posed for the camera. KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah diving association has urged authorities to take firm action against the individuals who recorded themselves restraining a sea turtle and harassing a whale shark at one of Sabah ’s popular dive spots.
Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui condemned these actions as “irresponsible and unethical,” stressing that they violated marine conservation laws and ethical diving standards.“As a responsible diving community, we firmly uphold the principles of marine protection," he said in a statement on Wednesday . "Harassing, touching, or restraining marine animals, especially protected species like sea turtles and whale sharks, is not only unacceptable but also harmful to their well-being. “Such actions cause unnecessary stress to marine life, disrupt natural behaviour, and damage the very ecosystem that makes Sabah’s waters a global diving treasure." Sim urged authorities to conduct a thorough investigation and identify those involved in the incidents, which reportedly took place near Manukan Island within the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.The area is known for its diverse marine life, healthy coral reefs teeming with fish, and even rare black coral."The Sabah Dive Squad Club remains committed to advocating for ethical diving and will continue working alongside local authorities, conservation groups, and the diving community to protect and preserve our marine heritage,” he said.Sabah authorities investigating video of divers touching turtles and spearfishing in Semporna He also encouraged anyone with information about the incident to come forward and assist in ensuring accountability. “Let us work together to uphold Sabah’s reputation as a leader in sustainable and responsible diving,” he added. A 30-second video of one incident shows several divers surrounding a sea turtle, gripping its shell and limbs as it struggles to break free. Despite its distress, the divers continue holding it down and posing for the camera. In a separate one-minute video, a diver is seen holding onto a whale shark as it swims, while another diver at the surface laughs loudly as if celebrating the act. Sabah Wildlife Department director Mohd Soffian Abu Bakar confirmed that authorities are aware of the viral videos and are investigating. In June, a similar case was investigated when divers were seen touching a sea turtle and engaging in illegal spearfishing near an island off Semporna. Under the Sabah Wildlife Conservation Enactment 1997, sea turtles are listed under Appendix I, meaning they are fully protected by law. Disturbing or handling them without authorisation is strictly prohibited, with enforcement falling under the Sabah Wildlife Department’s jurisdiction.
Sabah Divers Viral Videos Harassment Marine Life Illegal Sabah Dive Squad Club Sim Fui Authorities Sabah Wildlife Department Sea Turtle Whale Shark Manukan Island Protected Species
Malaysia Latest News, Malaysia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
Proton e.MAS Expands with New Showrooms in Sabah and SarawakProton's subsidiary, Pro-Net, has opened Proton e.MAS showrooms in Sabah and Sarawak, marking a significant step in making electric mobility more accessible to Malaysians. These showrooms will showcase Proton's latest electric vehicle technology and provide customers with comprehensive sales and after-sales services.
Read more »
Religious Tourism Proposed as New Attraction for Sabah in 2026Entrepreneur Development and Cooperatives Minister Datuk Ewon Benedick suggests developing religious tourism in Sabah as a new attraction for Visit Malaysia Year 2026. He believes this would highlight the harmony and religious diversity of Sabah, attracting both local and international tourists to explore mosques, churches, Hindu temples, and Buddhist temples in close proximity.
Read more »
Sabah Chinese New Year Night Market Fees Spark ControversyA three-day Chinese New Year night market in Sabah has faced backlash due to exorbitant vendor fees charged by the Luyang assemblyman's office, which are significantly higher than the city council's standard rate. The event organizers have defended the charges, citing the need to cover logistical costs, but the public remains skeptical.
Read more »
Sabah Approves Three New Industrial Parks to Boost Investment and Job CreationSabah's government has given the green light to three new industrial parks in an effort to attract investment and generate jobs. These parks, located in Kudat, Kota Belud, and Beaufort, will focus on various sectors, including blue economy, green energy, and traditional industries. The move is aimed at achieving Sabah's economic growth targets and creating high-quality employment opportunities for its youth.
Read more »
Alia Sazana Azahari Shatters Asian Record, Wins Gold at Asian Rifle/Pistol CupMalaysian shooter Alia Sazana Azahari makes history at the 2025 Asian Rifle/Pistol Cup, achieving a new Asian record and securing gold in the women's 25-metre pistol event.
Read more »
Sabah govt proposes four sites for gazettement under Sabah ParksPETALING JAYA: Waterski athlete Aaliyah Yoong Hanifah put up a splashing show to become the first Asian to win three gold medals at the IWWF University World Championships in Auckland, New Zealand over the weekend.
Read more »