Dredging continues at wildlife sanctuary.

KOTA KINABALU: Sand dredging activities have resurfaced along the Kinabatangan River and several barges have been seen transporting river sand over the past two weeks.

The local community fears that if the activities are allowed to continue, conservation efforts in the eco-sensitive Kinabatangan area where some 26,000ha have been gazetted as a wildlife sanctuary will be derailed.

Head of the Honorary Wildlife Warden team from the Kinaba­tangan Orangutan Conservation Project Azri Sawang said he had stopped and boarded some of the barges but they all seemed to have valid licences.

Azri said the people were confused as to why such environmentally damaging activities were allowed.

A number of tourists have also voiced their concern by asking why sand dredging was allowed to take place within a protected area.

“I am not sure I would recommend others to visit this place now,” American Sophia Bay said.