News

I was surprised to read about the recent sighting of an endangered blacktip reef shark at Sentosa’s Palawan Beach on Sept 1 ( Sept 3). The immediate reaction of beachgoers was understandable. After all, we are conditioned to fear sharks, thanks to movies and sensational media coverage. However, I was more disturbed by the behaviour described in the article: children screaming, people splashing water at the shark, and, most distressingly, an object being thrown at it. Let’s be clear – this is the shark’s natural habitat. It does not understand our human-made boundaries or our fear of its presence. The blacktip reef shark is not some menacing villain from a horror film; it is a species that plays a crucial role in maintaining the health of our marine ecosystems. These sharks are shy by nature, rarely posing a threat to humans. Humans are far more dangerous to sharks than the other way around. The reckless act of throwing objects at a wild animal only serves to agitate it further and is a reflection of our disregard for the natural world. When a shark is spotted near a beach, the sensible thing to do is to exit the water calmly and give it space to move away on its own. There is no need for panic or aggression.  Sharks, like all wild creatures, deserve our respect. We should be grateful for their presence, as they are a sign of a healthy marine environment. Rather than reacting with fear and hostility, we should view such encounters as opportunities to learn and foster a deeper appreciation for the wonders of our natural world. Education and awareness are key. We need to change the narrative around sharks from one of fear to one of respect and understanding. People need to realise that sharks are not our enemies. More public information should be made available about the importance of sharks and what to do during a sighting. We should lead by example for the next generation, teaching our children to respect marine life, not harm it out of fear or ignorance. So the next time a shark swims by, let’s remember: It’s just a shark being a shark. Let’s stay calm, leave the water, and let it be.