SHARK fins (sic) being displayed on the five-foot way at Jalan Old Slipway, in Sandakan town, without stern action by enforcement personnel from the Sandakan Municipal Council.

Concerned members of the public said the “display” reflected total public ignorance that it is illegal to kill sharks which have been classified as a protective species. They said it is inhumane and cruel for anyone to kill a shark simply for their fins.

The size of the fins indicate that irresponsible people had been killing even small sharks for profits. Shark fins are considered a delicacy to some.

The consumption of shark fins is not an offence but the Federal Environment Ministry recently forbade shark fins soup at all functions connected to the Ministry and hoped other public and private sector organisations would do likewise.

[Chief Editor’s note: There is actually no law against killing sharks or sell ing their products. Only the whale shark is listed in the Fisheries (Control of Endangered Species of Fish) Regulations 1999. But who am I to argue with “concerned” citizens.]