KOTA KINABALU: State Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry have called on Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) to cease its underwater exploration in Usukan waters off Kota Belud following concerns among divers and fishermen.
Its Minister Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun told New Straits Times today he has appealed to the varsity’s vice-chancellor Prof Datuk Dr Mohd Harun Abdullah to suspend its operations until proper consultations with relevant ministries and agencies are held.
He said proper consultations are needed in light of the economic implications such operations might have on the tourism and fishing industry.
“The vice-chancellor has agreed to suspend the operation,” he said, adding that Sabah Parks have denied they have been consulted as the area is not within the marine park.
Earlier, Masidi said UMS should have been more consultative with relevant ministries prior to carrying out underwater salvage project.
In a press release issued by UMS, Mohd Harun announced that the varsity has ceased its salvage operation today.
He explained that the cargo vessel to be salvaged for research purposes contained toxic materials weighing 3,000 tonnes. This has prompted the varsity to conduct research in two World War 2 shipwreck sites in Usukan.
“Chemical study particularly on the iron and steel in the vessels and its surroundings must be carried out to prevent negative impact on the environment and the community whose source of income are from those areas.
“This research is being conducted with the use of a research grant awarded by a local company that has expertise in marine management,” he said.
The vice-chancellor also added that the ship was badly corroded and it was dangerous to use the conventional approach to conduct the archaeological research, which meant that the team had to use the salvage approach to access the ships’ interiors.
Mohd Harun stressed that UMS understands the unease among the local fishermen, adding that the salvage and research project are being carried out to reduce future risks to their livelihoods.
He said the company responsible for carrying out the salvage project has suggested placing an artificial reef at the site as it will be more environmentally friendly and safe.
“We will discuss with the company with regards to the reef which will be placed near the site of the shipwreck as an effort to keep the area safe for fishing,” he said.
Mohd Harun added findings by UMS archaeologist team shows that the site is almost completely destroyed and it is expected to completely vanish in the next 10 years.
Meanwhile, Sabah Marine Department director Abdul Nasar Abdul Hadi said the department has given its approval to Ugeens Berjaya Enterprise to carry out salvage work using a China-registered vessel.
“The approval was given after we have received support letters from relevant agencies such as UMS, Sabah Parks, Sabah Museum and the National Security Council.”
He added the salvage work only involved salvaging materials from the wreck and not removing the entire shipwreck from the waters.