Chinese tourist in Malaysia accused of harassing rare turtle, killing sea slugs
A fellow visitor from China called out the man’s actions during a dive in Sabah state’s Semporna
The tourist, known only as Xiaoqing, shared on social media that she visited Sabah and went diving in Semporna on December 31 and January 3.
During the first dive, Xiaoqing witnessed another diver from China who was in his 50s tugging at a hawksbill turtle.
On the second dive, she said the same man had crushed a blue sea slug to death and damaged corals on the seabed.
Xiaoqing reported the incidents to the diving operator, but they were unwilling to disclose the man’s diving certification number, citing privacy concerns.
Upon returning to China on Sunday, Xiaoqing shared the incidents on social media and reported the man’s alleged violations to the Professional Association of Diving Instructors, which is investigating the matter.