Liew, who is also state tourism, culture and environment minister, said she is aware of photos being circulated on social media and has instructed Sabah Parks and the state Wildlife Department (SWD) to conduct the investigation.

“I view this seriously,” she said here today. “Such matters cannot be allowed to continue and worsen.

“This will not only harm the environment but also affect the source of income for fishermen as well as tourism operators, not to mention Sabah’s image.”

She acknowledged that the illegal collection of coral had not taken place in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park and Sipadan Island Park but said Sabah Parks and SWD would nonetheless proceed with the probe.

“I have instructed a special team to conduct the investigation,” she said.

“The departments are to work with the Sabah fisheries department to get to the bottom of this.”