Asia Dive News : Malay official wants shark fin soup banned at government functions

KOTA KINABALU, Malaysia - National conservation trust, WWF-Malaysia, is throwing its weight behind Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, Datuk Karim Bujang, who suggested banning shark fin soup from being served at government functions.

The World Conservation Union (IUCN) Shark Specialist Group (SSG) estimated that shark finning - the practice of slicing off a shark's fins and discarding the carcass - causes the death of tens of millions of sharks worldwide each year.

Chief Technical Officer for Borneo Programme, WWF-Malaysia, Dr Rahimatsah Amat, said the predators are also an attraction for scuba divers, comprising mostly high-end tourists to come to Sabah.

"Divers come all over the world to experience the superlative marine life that the State has to offer (and) make every effort to protect our marine assets. Hence, government functions as well as restaurants and hotels should stop serving shark fin," she said.

WWF-Malaysia is working with a diverse group of partners in Sabah to conserve marine habitats and species, eliminate destructive fishing practices and ensure the sustainability of fisheries.

Source: Daily Express News