I promise not to go on and on about the barge that wrecked the reef at Sipadan, but I find the situation bewildering. In 2004, all the dive outfits on the island were kicked off, in an effort to protect the delicate ecosystem there. Subsequently, divers had to come in from elsewhere, dive the area, and then leave. Sounds like a fine plan.

However, according to the Deputy Chief Minister Tan Sri Chong Kah Kiat (who is also Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister), the government had awarded a contract to build amenities for divers heading to the island. "We need a restaurant to cater to divers numbering 120 each day, [and] we need a place for visitors to rest and drink," said Kah Kiat. 

Although he denies rumors that the contractor was planning to bulldoze the island or any of its trees, the barge nevertheless carried on it both a bulldozer and heavy machinery. Kah Kiat has asked Sabah Parks to "take action" against the contractor -- who is reportedly cooperating with the government -- but not to cancel the contract. In the meantime, Kah Kiat has threatened to close the park "indefinitely" until such time as the damaged coral is "restored."