Since the end of 2004, divers were no longer allowed to spend overnight on Sipadan Island. All resorts on the island were asked to evacuate. Many of these resorts have relocated to nearby Mabul Island.
When the State Government of Sabah made the announcement to evacuate all the resorts from the island, I thought it was obvious that this was a good thing. But after attending a public forum organized by Sabah Society in January last year, I wasn’t so sure anymore. The major issues raised were (if my memory has not failed me) whether to evacuate the resorts from the island or not; and if they were to evacuate, the correct time to do it.
All sides really wanted to see Sipadan Island thrive. But they gave very strong arguments to support their stand. Having the resorts on the island has some good points. It ensures that there are always people on the island and can keep illegal fishing boats from encroaching into the area and fish bomb the place. At the same time, having people on the island is bad for the island too because of the infrastructures that needs to be built will have a negative effect on the eco-system.
On the other hand, moving out too soon, before the island is designated a Marine Park is bad too because the island will not be protected adequately.
The issues was difficult because it involves having to strike a fine balance between preserving the pristine island and at the same time, allowing the diving industry in the area to grow.
Fast forward to today. After 1 year since the resorts have moved out of Sipadan Island, there seem to be some positive outcome.
State Secretary Datuk K.Y. Mustafa said:
…there is also evidence to show that the number of turtle landings had increased significantly. “Statistics indicate that 502 green turtles and five leatherback turtles landed and nested on the island between April 2005 and February this year.
“In the same period, 45,997 green turtle eggs and 502 leatherback turtle eggs were collected. Of the number, 17,255 green turtle eggs and 202 leatherback turtle eggs had hatched.”
This is great news considering that although Sipadan Island is designated Bird Sanctuary since 1933, it has not yet been designated a Marine Park.