‘REPORT DISCOVERY OF SHIPWRECKS’
Those withholding information can be fined RM2,000, says Sabah Marine Dept director
THE people are required to report to the authorities any discovery of shipwrecks here. Failure to do so would see them being fined RM2,000 under Section 211(b) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1960, said state Marine Department director Norjipin Saidi.
He said this was to ensure that no one, especially divers, kept the information to themselves so that they could salvage or retrieve items from the shipwrecks.
He said the department had recorded 30 shipwrecks in the state.
Seven shipwrecks lie on the seabed off Kudat and Sandakan, five off Tawau, four off Kota Kinabalu and one each off Lahad Datu, Semporna, Sipitang, Beaufort, Menumbok and Kuala Penyu.
Norjipin said the department was informed of the shipwrecks by the public.
He said the department was working with the Museum and Fisheries Departments and the Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency on shipwreck management.
“The Museum Department is in charge of shipwrecks that are more than 50 years old.
“As for the Fisheries Department, it will use shipwrecks as artificial reefs (to attract fish).
“Previously, it helped MMEA in the sinking of KM Kuraman, off Tunku Abdul Rahman Park.”
After the controversial salvaging work on World War 2 Japanese shipwrecks in Usukan, Kota Belud, last year, he said the department did not receive any work application to remove them.
“Under the same ordinance, the department can take possession and dispose of unclaimed shipwrecks if there is no response from the owners.”
On the issuance of permits for wreck diving, he said it was not under the department’s jurisdiction, adding that the department was responsible for ensuring the safety of navigation of vessels at sea.