The rare sighting was made by Labuan Dive Club member Tan Zhi Shan during a recreational dive on Sept 14 at the Labuan Marine Park.

Club president Teoh Ming Woei called the sighting an encouraging sign for the island’s marine ecosystem, and said it adds to the diversity of marine life that divers can appreciate.

“The nurse shark is the latest discovery in Labuan waters, reflecting the growing biodiversity of our marine ecosystem, and shows that Labuan continues to be an exciting and safe diving destination,” he told Bernama.

Members of the club also reported sightings of blacktip and lizard sharks around Kuraman Island and Rusukan Kecil Island. Teoh stressed that these species are not harmful to humans; rather, they further enhance the diving experience in Labuan.

“Nurse sharks (“Ginglymostoma cirratum”), a slow-moving bottom-dwelling species, are generally harmless to humans and are considered vital to marine biodiversity,” he said.

Notably, blacktip and nurse sharks are categorised as Vulnerable on the IUCN List of Threatened Species.

Teoh said the presence of such a young specimen suggests that Labuan’s waters provide a suitable habitat and nursing ground for marine life, which underscores the importance of protecting coral reefs and surrounding ecosystems.

Rusukan Kecil Island is part of the Labuan Marine Park, which also encompasses Pulau Kuraman and Pulau Rusukan Besar. These islands, popular among divers and tourists, are well known for their rich marine biodiversity.

Rusukan Kecil is also being eyed as the site for a new resort, which could further boost the island’s ecotourism appeal.