SEMPORNA: The increased number of sea gypsies or Bajau Laut on the islands off Semporna is worrying, said Semporna Bumiputera Tour Operators Association chairman Kerino Jalani.
"Twenty years ago after I retired as a community development leader, there was only one house erected by the Bajau Laut on Mabul island.
"Today, there are about 160 houses on the island. This is worrying as it is also happening at other islands," said the 70-year-old local.
He said based on his surveys, there are also more sea gypsies building houses at Denawan, Umadal, Boheyan Laut, Kulapuan, Mantabuan, Tatagan, Maiga, Sibuan and Timbun Mata.
Kerino added with increased number of people at the islands, he is concerned that they might throw rubbish into the sea, bomb fish and other marine life or destroy corals.
He said with the influx of these stateless people, some might impersonate the Bajau Laut and this could likely pose security risks.
For the past two years during the pandemic, there have been many non-governmental organisations going to the island for humanitarian aid-related activity.
"This might encourage the Bajau Laut people to call others to reside at Semporna islands as they can rely on those handouts.
"Therefore, it is best for these organisations to liaise with local authorities to coordinate the assistance instead of going to the sites themselves," he said.
Semporna underwater photographer Joe Starz echoed Kerino's opinion. He said there should not be any handouts for sea gypsies including from tourists.
He said sea gypsies are naturally able to survive by obtaining their food from the sea and nature. Unfortunately, the community has been exposed to begging when tourists give out items to them during their visits.
"They used to be able to hold their breath for a long time when looking for their food underwater, but since they rely on handouts, they lost their skills and have started begging around.
"Tour guides should play their roles by briefing their clients that they can take the pictures of Bajau Laut, but never give them anything.
"The government could also offer a compulsory safety course for local guides, which include knowledge about the culture, so that the tourism players could execute their duty more professionally," he said.