KOTA KINABALU: A divers’ club has condemned the actions of scuba divers who allegedly used spearguns to hunt fish in Sabah’s east coast Semporna district.

Sabah Dive Squad president Sim Fui said they were deeply concerned after a video of the divers purportedly caught in the act surfaced on social media.

“This act is not only illegal, as stated by the state Fisheries Department, but also goes against the core values and principles that our club upholds,” he said in a statement on Friday (June 7).

Sim said the actions of those in the video did not reflect the ethics and practices of responsible diving, which emphasise conservation and respect for marine life.

“Furthermore, using a speargun while scuba diving poses significant safety risks as such actions could accidentally harm other divers in the vicinity, creating a dangerous underwater environment.

“The safety of all divers is paramount, and reckless behaviour of this kind cannot be tolerated,” Sim added.

The 25-second clip, believed to have been filmed near an island off Semporna, showed a diver petting a turtle before knocking the head of the animal.

Divers were also seen shooting fish using spearguns near the seabed and in coral reefs.

Both the state Wildlife and Fisheries Departments said they were investigating the video.

Sim urged all divers to adhere to the laws and regulations in the country and to act as stewards of the marine environment.

“Let this incident serve as a reminder of our collective responsibility to protect and cherish the underwater world for future generations,” he said.