KOTA KINABALU: The Agriculturre and Fisheries Ministry confirmed that the sharks sold in a supermarket in Kolombong are not listed as endangered species.
In a statement here today, its minister Datuk Seri Panglima Dr Jeffrey G Kitingan said based on the picture that went viral on social media, the sharks sold were identified as the blackfin shark Carcharhinus sorrah and the long-snout shark C. brevipinna.
“These are the types of shark species caught by fishermen in Sabah. They are not listed as endangered species either under the Fisheries Act 1985 (Act 317) or the International Trade in Endangered Species Act 2008 (Act 686).
“This means that activities such as capturing and selling the species are not illegal,” he clarified.
Malaysia is home to more than 150 species of sharks and stingrays. Only 12 species are listed under Act 317, while 64 species are listed under Act 686.
Among the species of sharks listed under the two acts are whale sharks and hammerhead sharks, and sawfish and manta rays for stingrays.
For the endangered species listed under Act 317, exploitation such as capturing, possessing, transporting, selling, exporting is not permitted and if convicted, is liable to a fine not exceeding RM20,000.00 or imprisonment not exceeding two years or both.
For the endangered species listed under Act 686, its exploitation is limited to the domestic level only (unless it is also listed under Act 317).
In terms of international trade control, Sabah does not allow exports even to Peninsular Malaysia, Sarawak or the Federal Territory of Labuan.
Any violation of this act is punishable by a fine up to RM1 million or imprisonment for up to seven years or both.
“The Sabah Fisheries Department through its Enforcement Unit will continue to carry out inspections at the key entries and exits, patrols on fishing operations and monitoring at fish markets and supermarkets on an ongoing basis.
“This is to ensure that fish resources, including sharks and stingrays, are efficiently managed,” he concluded.-pr/BNN
