Sabah tourism minister Christina Liew said the ordnance was successfully neutralised by navy bomb disposal divers on Saturday.

“Pulau Sibuan will reopen to tourists on Jan 15 once the police, security forces and Sabah Parks complete cleaning and collection of debris,” she said in a statement.

The island was temporarily closed on Jan 7 after two Sabah Parks personnel stationed at Pulau Sibuan discovered an object resembling an old bomb during routine patrolling and cleaning of the island’s snorkelling area.

“The Tun Sakaran Marine Park was immediately informed of the discovery and a police report was filed the same day.

“The immediate closure of Pulau Sibuan to tourism activities was implemented by Sabah Parks to ensure the safety of visitors and staff on the island,” Liew said.