Sibuan Island will reopen on January 15 following the successful removal of an unexploded bomb found on its beach.

The island was shut down last week after Sabah Parks coast guards discovered the ordnance during a routine patrol and cleanup.

Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew said the precautionary closure was necessary to ensure safety.

“The safety of tourists is our top priority. The immediate closure was to avoid any risks,” she said in Kota Kinabalu on Monday.

Royal Malaysian Navy bomb disposal divers destroyed the ordnance on January 11, allowing for cleanup operations to be completed.

“Visitors can return with peace of mind, knowing that the island is safe,” Liew added.

Tourism at other islands in the Tun Sakaran Marine Park, such as Bohey Dulang and Mantabuan, remained unaffected.

The World War II bomb found near Sibuan Island, Semporna, was safely detonated by the Royal Malaysian Navy (RMN), on Saturday. 

Lieutenant Commander Ghazali Soleman, who led the Mine Disposal Unit, said the bomb was destroyed using the Blow in Place method to avoid risks.

“The operation prioritised safety to prevent harm to residents and the environment,” he said in a statement. 

Authorities confirmed the unexploded ordnance (UXO), weighing around 250kg, was neutralised at 3.10pm without damage to marine ecosystems or nearby properties.

Local fishermen discovered the bomb on Jan 7, prompting a swift response from a specialised RMN team, assisted by 11 divers from mine warfare and diving units in Lumut and Sandakan.

Patrol boats from the Eastern Sabah Security Command (ESSCOM), Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA), Marine Police, and Sabah Parks secured the area during the operation.

Initial investigations revealed the three-foot-long bomb, likely dropped during WWII air raids, posed a serious threat.

Villagers expressed relief, saying the discovery had sparked concerns, but they were glad it ended without incident.

Authorities advised the public to report suspicious objects in the water to prevent accidents.

The RMN declared the area safe and ended the mission at 6.40pm on Saturday. – Jan 13, 2025.