BACHOK: The fishing crew involved in towing the 10m long whale shark to shore risk facing a fine of up to RM20,000 or two years' imprisonment for catching a protected species, even if it was already dead.
Fisheries director-general Datuk Junaidi Ayub said the case would be investigated under the Fisheries Act 1985 and Fisheries Regulations (Control of Endangered Fish Species) 1999 (Amendment) 2008.
He said the skipper should have contacted the department or other relevant authorities when they spotted the whale shark, known by its scientific name Rhincodon typus.
It is reported to have a lifespan of 70 years and exists in the South China Sea and the species is on the brink of extinction.
It was reported yesterday that the whale shark was found floating on the water's surface by a fishing crew about 6am before they towed the whale shark over 38.9km to a fish landing jetty in Tok Bali.
The shark was reported dead after it arrived at the jetty four hours later.
The department will conduct a study on the shark based on the various organs taken from its carcass.
"The organs will be sent for further analysis which will provide us with information on the cause of death, its age and how it had entered into our waters," said Junaidi.
The whale shark that weighs more than two tonnes was buried yesterday in Pasir Puteh, Kelantan. — Picture by Ramli Hussin