Outrage over Sipadan development

“Ridiculous!”  That one word had summed up most of the reaction we received from divers and businesses about the proposed RM2.5billion development in one of the world's best diving sites near Sipadan.

“The area has not been researched for its proper dive capacity, safety issues are ignored, there too many divers on dive sites and most of the islands nearby are overdeveloped,” one of the dive operators listed these reasons for us when we called businesses in Semporna to find out their reaction to this massive investment.

Earlier this month, reports had surfaced announcing a RM2.5 billion integrated tourism development plan in Sipadan Island to be driven by China-based company, Diving Best. Reports state that the firm was in talks with Sabah Economic and Development and Investment Authority (SEDIA) to facilitate the large-scale project in the Semporna area. 

Meanwhile a contradictory report has emerged on the Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry of Sabah's website. The report featured a news article from a local Sabah daily, stating that development was off limits in Sipadan and quoted Minister Masidi Manjun as saying that there was no way anyone could build a structure on the marine park which has a carrying capacity of 120.

This dive operator, who prefers to remain anonymous, explained to us that there was too much traffic in that area and pollution.  “There is not even proper sewage systems in the area, can you imagine how polluted it will be if this development happens?”   Poor enforcement and lack of government regulation were other reasons he cited for objecting this Chinese investment.

This business owner, who has been in Semporna for over 10 years, pointed out that the government along with companies and non-governmental organisations should survey the area to see if it can cope with a large diving operations centre and tourism attractions.  “There is not even proper rubbish collection in Semporna town itself, how can these (guys) think about investing and constructing in the pristine marine area?”

Based on experience, he believes that there some 40 dive centres in Semporna, only some 15 and 20 of them are legal.  “While you have two national parks in the area, no one checks if you are breaking the law, you can even fish there,” added this diver, who has been running dive businesses for 25 years.

He added that he had seen sites being 'overdived' in Koh Tao and Bali, resulting in tourists leaving the area for other attractions.  “The locals (in Sabah) will lose out if there is overdevelopment and sites are destroyed in Sipadan, tourists won't come here.”

Diver Tajul Rahim Mohamad, also shared the same view as the operator, that he was 'absolutely against the development'.  “This is our last frontier of untouched world where marine life thrives and for generations we can appreciate, explore the beauty of its creations. Leave them alone, this world is theirs too! Where there are humans, the rest will be destroyed!” said this 58-year-old diver, who has done 230 dive logs since 2010.

In another email interview, a diver told us that she was shocked when she read the news.  “I appeal to Sabah Parks, the Sabah government and SEDIA, not to entertain such a destructive development plan. Sipadan is doing well as it is. Leave it alone!! The China company can plan all they want, but Sabahans should defend what is rightfully ours and protect our resources,” she wrote.

This diver, who requested anonymity, said she was dead against the development and disappointed that SEDIA would entertain such an idea.  “Sipadan is a gem. Its fragile natural environment is what makes it so precious and famous. People come here from places far and wide to scuba dive and discover its wonderful and almost untouched marine haven. I cannot imagine Sipadan surviving such a huge scale of construction and development.

“The land mass is tiny and inhabited by rare birds and is a nesting ground for sea turtles. I cannot imagine how they intend to fit all these structures into such a small island. I fail to see how this would be in line with being a "marine and eco-based tourism destination" if these precious resources are destroyed to make way for these structures.   The current daily quota of 120 persons allowed to visit Sipadan is already at its maximum, I can personally see that it is already taxing on environment. Accommodating over 12,000 is just laughable,” said this Sabah-based diver.

She was convinced that marine and environmental conservation would not be a priority for this investor.  “I am very sure Sipadan will eventually become something like Manukan or Sapi Island due to heavy human impact on the environment if this development does happen.”

Dive instructor Chok Choon Fui had a different opinion on the development.  The 68-year-old instructor told us that as long as the development was done properly and with the right techniques it would not harm the environment.  He pointed out that several firms with this knowledge were based in Kota Kinabalu, with some companies having experience in building resorts in the Maldives.

Despite that, he pointed out that  “nothing could be built on Sipadan island,” which was gazetted as a jungle island as a form of protection and diving was regulated with the issuance of permits.

Some environmental NGOs we spoke to did not want to comment until they had the details of the project, while others told us they were planning to approach the state government for more information before speaking to the press.