TAMU PIOMBOLUTAN TAPAK HOHOMBOON SANDAD SUNGOI TIMPANGO BABAGON

Tagal, also known as bombon, is a traditional natural resource management system primarily for aquatic river life in Sabah, Malaysia. Under this system, fish in the river that are tagged or bombon cannot be caught by agreement of the implementing community. This system restricts the use of natural resources for conservation and to ensure the continued existence of these resources for future generations.

The Tagal system is managed and monitored by the Sabah Fisheries Department (DOF). The purpose of this system is to address the problem of freshwater fish resource shortages and prevent river pollution, in addition to generating community income. This system also benefits the tourism industry in Sabah. As of 2009, 240 rivers in Sabah have been tagged. The Tagal system is divided into three zones: red, green, and yellow.

The words Tagal and bombon are Kadazandusun language words for “don’t”¹. This system is a traditional practice of the local community in Sabah and has existed since their ancestors’ time. Originally, the Tagal system was used to conserve forests by the local community. However, this system has been practiced by riverside communities before the system was formalized. Efforts to develop this system formally began in the late 1990s and were practiced in Tuaran in 1987 and 1991 in Kota Belud. The Sabah State Fisheries Department (DOF) has expanded the Tagal system throughout the state of Sabah since 2003 formally. This system is controlled under the implementing village regulations, which are then under customary law and the 2003 Land and Aquaculture Fisheries Enactment. Offenders of this system can be fined or imprisoned for up to two years.

The Tagal system has had an impact on the implementing community in terms of the environment, economy, social, and tourism. For example, in Kampung Luanti, Ranau, the ‘Ikan Pelian’ or Malaysian Mahseer from the family of Cyprinidae are specifically trained by the villagers to perform healing massage activities. These fish massages are believed to have a curative effect on those who suffer from psoriasis. This unique attraction has boosted tourism in the area.