Global General

Malaysian state plans ban on shark hunting

(Agencies)
Updated: 2011-05-09 13:11

KUALA LUMPUR, Malaysia - A Malaysian state on Borneo island is planning to ban shark fishing to bolster tourism and conserve a species hunted for its fins.

Masidi Manjun, a Cabinet minister in Sabah state, estimates only about 20 percent of sharks spotted in the state 15 years ago are still left behind. He says foreign tourists have lodged complaints of cruel shark finning activities in local markets.

Masidi said Monday the Sabah government hopes to amend the law to impose the shark fishing ban next year.

Tens of millions of sharks are killed across the globe every year, mainly for their fins. Shark fin soup, widely sold across Asia, is often served at weddings and banquets as a symbol of wealth.