In an interview with FMT, the Ecotourism & Conservation Society Malaysia (EcoMy) chief executive officer said sharks were under threat and this has showed the education and awareness campaign has not worked.

“Enforcement is now urgently needed to protect sharks in Malaysian waters.

“Enforcement has to be two-pronged in the seas and on land.

“The Sabah Government has done something truly amazing by gazetting zones in which people are not allowed to catch sharks. The state is in the process of expanding these areas.”

Andrew said the Federal Government and other state governments with significant sea frontage must emulate the Sabah Government’s move to gazette “no-take” zones, where any extraction of marine resources is prohibited.

However, he said marine protected areas and marine parks need better enforcement with more manpower and resources.

Andrew said a total ban on the serving and sale of shark fin soup and other shark products was needed.

“While there has been awareness campaigns and an anti-shark fin soup policy by some hotels and restaurants, this is clearly not enough.

“If a total ban is difficult to impose, then at the very least the government must announce a moratorium on the serving and sale of shark dishes and products.

“As apex predators, sharks help ensure balance in the ecosystems. Without sharks, the health of the ecosystems they occupy will be affected due to the overpopulation of other species.”