PROTECTING SHARKS CAMPAIGN: Masidi (fourth left) with the JCI Tanjung Aru delegation.
KOTA KINABALU: This year will mark the protection of sharks in Sabah even though the shark ban is not in place yet, said Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun.
“When the law is passed, we will then discuss with the restaurant owners about the grace period they need to clear their stocks,” he said.
“We need to do it now. We need to conserve the sharks for our next generation to enjoy. We cannot take all and leave nothing to our next generation in the name of profit. In the next decade, if we do not conserve the sharks now, there will be nothing left for the fishermen to catch and restaurant owners to serve. By then, it will be too late,” Masidi pointed out to the JCI Tanjung Aru.
JCI Tanjung Aru member Evonne Chong (immediate past president), organising chairman JCI member Aderick Chong and members met Masidi during a courtesy call recently.
Also present were the permanent secretary of Masidi’s ministry, Datuk Michael Emban, Datuk Irene Charuruks of Sabah Tourism Board and Sitti Damsal of Sri Pelancongan Sabah as well as Peter Dikili, Arthur Lee and Christopher who support the protection of sharks. JCI Tanjung Aru took this opportunity to thank Masidi for his determination and persistence in making the law to protect sharks happen in Sabah.
After initiating the ‘Say No To Shark Fins’ awareness programme in 2011, together with 54 chapters of JCI Malaysia and many conservation groups around the world, JCI Tanjung Aru strongly supports and commends the minister for his effort to see the ban through.
JCI Tanjung Aru briefed Masidi on the launch of 2012: Sabah Protects Sharks which will be held on May 6 in Suria Sabah. This event will mark that Sabah protects its sharks in 2012.
In conjunction with this event, there will be an ‘Imperial Gourmet Soup Challenge’, where the alternatives to shark fins soup will be judged and the most outstanding soup on that day will be recognised by the ministry.
Masidi and his ministry were also briefed on the Concert for the Sharks towards the end of 2012 to raise funds to enable efforts to reach out to schools throughout Malaysia, starting with Sabah, to educate the importance of shark conservation to the school children.
All contributions to this cause will only be used for the effort. It is a non-profitable event. Sponsors and advertisers are encouraged to step forward to contribute to this good cause. Contact JCI member Aderick Chong @ 0168306828
Both events are endorsed by the Ministry of Environment, Tourism and Culture.