KOTA KINABALU: The State Government should consider the view of restaurant owners before going ahead with its proposal to include sharks in the protected wildlife species list and ban shark hunting, said Grand Port View general manager Cheng Ka Siong.
The demand for shark fin from restaurants is very high and banning the delicacy will effect their business, he said when asked to comment on the move yesterday.
“We have a lot of customers who are looking for shark fin soup and we are worried that with the decision to include sharks under the protected wildlife species list, our income will drop,” he said.
“So far we are getting our shark fin supply from China and Hong Kong and also local fishermen from Semporna. The price of good quality shark fin can reach RM3,000 per kilogram and just imagine our losses if the State Government prohibits this business,” he said.
Cheng is hoping that the State Government will discuss with them before making any decision so that all restaurant owners who serve shark fin will be able to do their business without losing big money.
Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Yahya Hussin was reported as saying yesterday the State Cabinet has agreed with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun on the immediate need to include sharks in Sabah waters in the protected species list.
Yahya said the Cabinet also feels that sharks must be protected before they become extinct in Sabah waters.