Tourists warned against touching starfish in Sabah

KOTA KINABALU - Tourists will face stern action if they touch or collect starfish from waters off Sabah, said a state minister.

State Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Christina Liew said such actions violate ecotourism principles, which emphasise marine life conservation.

Datuk Seri Liew added that this is a core value upheld by the Sabah government in its commitment to sustainable tourism.

The state minister was responding to a viral video on social media where a tourist – believed to be a Chinese national – was seen collecting starfish while on a paddleboard in waters off Kota Kinabalu.

“We view this incident seriously and authorities will not hesitate to take stern action against any party found violating regulations related to wildlife and natural ecosystems in the state,” said Ms Liew.

Following the widely circulated video, an investigation by the Board of Trustees of Sabah Parks (LPATTS) confirmed that the incident occurred in Tanjung Aru waters and involved a tour company, she said.

She said a total of 30 starfish were collected by the tourist, identified as the Horned Sea Star or Chocolate Chip Sea Star, known locally as tapak sulaiman bertanduk (Protoreaster nodosus).

“These starfish play a crucial role in maintaining the balance of the marine ecosystem, and their removal can potentially disrupt this delicate balance,” Ms Liew said.

She urged all tour operators to ensure their tourists and staff adhere strictly to established guidelines and regulations, especially those concerning marine life protection.

“Awareness and compliance with these regulations are vital to ensure the sustainability of the marine ecosystem for the well-being of future generations,” she said.

Stressing that the state government is committed to environmental conservation, Ms Liew said they will work with relevant agencies regarding this issue.

The issue of tourists touching and holding marine creatures such as