Sabah launches scuba diving safety SOPs ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026

LocalTravel
12 Jun 2025 • 11:12 AM MYT
Daily Express
Daily Express

Daily Express Online (Malaysia) is Sabah's top-ranked & most viewed English news site. It is also Sabah's leading & most circulated daily English newspaper.

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By: Sabah Publishing House Sdn Bhd

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has introduced official safety SOPs for scuba diving to promote responsible tourism and prepare for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.

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Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui praised the move as vital for diver safety and tourism growth, noting scuba diving contributes over RM500 million to the state’s economy.

The club met with KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, who stressed strict compliance and upcoming public release of the SOPs.

In response, the club will host a Safety and Medical Talk on 20 July 2025 to educate divers and operators, following recent fatal diving incidents linked to negligence. Dive professionals and enthusiasts are urged to participate.