Kota Kinabalu: Underwater clean-up programmes should be organised to encourage more recreational divers to become marine torchbearers, said Sabah Diving Squad Club President Sim Fui.
“Despite being a new club, we consistently have members who are newly certified scuba divers seeking more exposure to improve their competency, especially in buoyancy and confidence levels.
“At the same time, we also hope that these newcomers and other scuba divers will become part of marine conservation efforts.
“By participating in underwater clean-up programmes like this, our members have the opportunity to lend a helping hand in clearing some debris,” he said in a statement after participating in the Borneo Ultra Ocean Clean-up, here.
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In addition to Navy and Sabah Diving Squad Club members, others who joined the programme included the army, marine police, Malaysia Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Civil Defence Department, National Security Council and the Fisheries Department.
There were 138 divers and volunteers assigned to clean-up duties at several sites, including the Sabah Parks jetty, Mamutik, Manukan, Sulug and Sapi islands.
“Initially, the weather in the morning was not so good and we thought they would raise a red flag and postpone the programme to another day.
“But we were lucky that, after waiting for some time, the weather improved, and surprisingly, the visibility was good, and the temperature was just right for all divers.” he said.
This year, the club members participated in the second clean-up organised by the navy, and also collaborated with other organisations such as the Marine Research Foundation.
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