Sabah Parks has come forward to clear any misunderstanding or confusion regarding philanthropist Ebit Lew’s charity mission in Semporna.
Sabah Parks today posted a statement on its official Facebook Page, noting places visited by the Muslim preacher to carry out charity work were under the protected Tun Sakaran Marine Park.
“Ustaz Ebit Lew’s entourage is a public entourage subject to the standard operating procedures (SOP) of the movement control order (MCO).
At the same time, Sabah Parks did not receive prior notice for special permission to enter the Tun Sakaran Marine Park area,” it said.
Ebit is in Sabah to help provide aid to the needy, where he is currently focusing his charity work in the east coast.
Yesterday, the Muslim preacher posted on his Facebook account that he was unable to continue with his mission to assist those residing on islands off Semporna.
According to Ebit, he was informed that he was prohibited from going to any island, and was told to stop his charity programme.
He was also told that he could be punished with a RM100,000 fine or a three-year imprisonment.
Due to this, he also postponed the construction of a school on one of the islands, adding that all materials had been purchased for the purpose.
Responding to Ebit’s Facebook post, Sabah Parks said they strongly support Ebit’s noble efforts to channel assistance to the community within the protected parks in Sabah.
“Sabah Parks allowed Ustaz Ebit Lew to enter the Sakaran Marine Park only after receiving information from the National Security Council.
Special permission is required to enter any area within the Park, which is currently closed to the public due to the MCO,” it stated.
Sabah Parks also stressed construction of building structures in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park area is subject to the procedures and guidelines that have been set.
This matter is related to the interests of the community of heirs in these islands as contained in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park gazette letter in 2004, it added.
“Sabah Parks management is also very appreciative of the stance and firmness of the park rangers and officers from the Tun Sakaran Marine Park who are dedicated in carrying out their duties to protect the Park area, which is currently in the recuperation phase from tourists and park visitors.
“The protection and conservation of the park’s nature in all Sabah Parks will continue, including during the Covid-19 pandemic’s MCO implementation period and curfew,” stressed Sabah Parks.
SOURCE: NST
