Safety-first culture in diving is essential, says Sabah ministry
KOTA KINABALU: A safety-first culture should be nurtured in all activities, especially those involving risks, says Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
Lai said that safety is fundamental to ensuring activities run smoothly and that emergency responses are accurate and timely.
This applies to diving activities as well, she said, noting that while the ocean is a treasure, it comes with responsibilities, particularly in ensuring the safety and well-being of those exploring its depths.
'Diving is not just a sport or hobby; it is a discipline that demands knowledge, preparation, and above all, respect for safety protocols,' she said while officiating at the Safety Medical Talk 1.0 by the Sabah Dive Squad Club on Sunday (July 20).
'Today's programme is an excellent initiative that brings together divers, professionals, and enthusiasts to strengthen awareness of medical and safety issues related to diving,' Lai added.
The event, held at Galeri Azman Hashim, Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS), covered various issues, including basic first aid and dive-related medical emergencies.
She said these topics are not just informative but may one day save lives.
Invited speakers included scuba diving medical adviser Eugene Tan Choon Li, First Warrant Officer Almudi Eskal as a technical diving adviser, marine conservationist Monica Chin, and the ministry's senior principal assistant secretary Mohd Hisham Ujang.
Mohd Hisham shared the ministry's standard operating procedures on scuba diving.
Meanwhile, club president Sim Fui emphasised the importance of preparedness during dive and sea activities as a community.
'Whether it's separation, emergencies underwater, or medical distress, we must be ready—not just as individuals, but as a community,' he said, thanking the ministry for its trust and other co-sponsors for their continuous support in promoting safe, sustainable diving.
He said recent unfortunate incidents involving scuba divers in Sabah have reminded participants of the dangers that can arise at any depth.
One of the latest incidents involved the death of a Chinese tourist who drowned while diving in Sipadan waters in May this year.
'Beyond our dives, our club has stepped up as advocates for ethical and sustainable diving. We've issued several public statements in newspapers and on social media to reinforce our firm stance on protecting Sabah's rich marine biodiversity,' said Sim.
He believes diving is a privilege, and that privilege comes with responsibility—to the environment, to the community, and to each other.
The event was also co-organised with UMS and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI).
Around 100 participants, including club members, dive operators, medical doctors, university lecturers and students, marine professionals, marine officials, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department of Malaysia, and the Royal Malaysian Navy were present.
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