Fishermen, especially the Bajau Laut tribe in Eastern Sabah Security Zone have been warned against using fish bombs for easy marine catch.

Deputy chief of staff of the Special Investigation and Technical Division of the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCom), ACP Victor Sanjos said the warning was issued following statistics recorded by enforcement authorities, especially the Marine Operations Force, (MOF) that showed many fishermen used this method in the ESSZone.

"Catching fish using the bombing technique can destroy the ecosystem and the structure of the coral reefs, besides the approach can cause injury to oneself and the people around," he said when speaking at a community policing programme, jointly organised by Sabah Region Four MOF in cooperation with the Sea Bajau Welfare Association (Pekebal) here.

The event which was officiated by Sabah Region Four Marine Police acting commander Mohd Nor Zaid Mohd Said was attended by about 500 residents who depended on fishing as their main livelihood.

Meanwhile, Mohd Nor Zaid said all quarters must act as eyes and ears of the security forces in channelling information about crime that occurred in Semporna.

--BERNAMA