Sabah says money offered by cargo ship's rep not enough to repair corals

Sabah Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew (centre) attends a press conference on the inaugural Tropical Rainforest Run in Kota Kinabalu. -NSTP/Olivia Miwil.
By Olivia Miwil - September 13, 2019 @ 8:03pm

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah state government will ask for higher compensation from the party responsible for the damage caused by a stranded cargo vessel to 3,625 square metres of corals off Kudat waters recently.

State Deputy Chief Minister Datuk Christina Liew said there was an offer made by the cargo ship owner's agent but the sum was too small to initiate restoration works at the affected area.

“They (ship agent) had offered a certain sum but the amount is too small for us to do the restoration work.

“Our stance is clear. We don't allow any ship, anyone or anything to destroy our corals.

"If they do so, they will have to pay for compensation according to the law,” she said, adding that the state government would issue a letter of demand to the agent on the suitable compensation amount.

She added that the state would also consider legal action if the company refused to take responsibility for the damage.

Liew, who is also state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister, was commenting on the incident where a cargo ship was left stranded in the Kalampunian Island waters on Sunday morning following a faulty navigational device.

She said this at a press conference on the inaugural Tropical Rainforest Run, set be held on Sept 28.

Meanwhile, Sabah Parks director Dr Jamili Nais said the ship, MV Lewang, had been taken to deeper water and was prevented from leaving the area until the documentation and investigation have been completed.

“Divers from Sabah Parks and World Wildlife Fund are evaluating the degree of damage (caused by the ship).

“We have identified 145-metre X 25-metre of (affected) coral areas with various degrees of damage. The team is also evaluating the level of restoration required (for those corals),” he added.

The area, which is a protected Tun Mustapha Park and the largest marine park in Malaysia, is known for its rich marine biodiversity and series of complex and linked habitats. It is also home to endangered species such as the green turtle and dugong.

Earlier, Liew, who is also Tawau member of parliament, said the 21-kilometre trail run would also promote Malaysia Day. Registration fee is RM110 per pax or RM200 for two persons.

To preserve nature, she said the number of participants will be limited to 300.

For more information, please visit http://hellosabah.my/ or JomRun mobile application before the closing date on Sept 20.