Yahya hails campaign against finning sharks
The New Sabah Times 13 Apr 09;
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Anglers Association’s campaign against shark’s fin harvesting received a strong support from the government who iterated their commitment not to have the delicacy on the menu at official functions and dinners.
Minister of Agriculture and Food Industry Datuk Seri Yahya Hussin branded the move as noble and congratulated the association for resurrecting an issue that had been raised in the past at the federal level.
The minister said now that the government has played its part, industry players should respond to the campaign likewise.
“I iterate that commitment and encourage all restaurants and hotels in the state to stop serving shark’s fins. I lend my support to this campaign and also the association’s call for sustainable fishing as problems which are created by humans will take serious human interventions to reverse,” he said when speaking at the closing of the Sabah International Fishing Tournament at Sutera Harbour yesterday. His speech text was delivered by assistant minister Datuk Haji Musbah Jamli.
Also present were Sabah Tourism Board chairman Dato Seri Tengku Zainal Adlin and Sabah Anglers Association president Datuk Wilfred Lingham.
Yahya also praised the association for being vocal on issues affecting marine biodiversity which is crucial to the socio-economic development of the state as well as the livelihood of the people particularly the traditional coastal fishermen.
“Indeed, it is good to have a marine watchdog who are always out at sea and will be in the best position to inform the government and relevant authorities of the problems they have witnessed,” he said.
On the fishing industry, Yahya stressed the need to balance between productivity and environmental concerns.
“Our survival as a state depends very much on keeping this commitment because as Sabah progresses there will be greater demand for quality products as well as quality environment.”
He also urged the Fisheries Department and Marine Police to be one step ahead of unscrupulous individuals who poached and encroached upon territories where there may be endangered species.
