Sabah sets new scuba diving SOPs to boost safety
KOTA KINABALU (June 12): The Sabah Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Environment (KePKAS) has officially introduced a new set of safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) for scuba diving activities in the state, marking a significant step toward strengthening sustainable and responsible tourism in preparation for Visit Malaysia Year 2026.
President of the Sabah Dive Squad Club (also known as Deus Diving Club), Sim Fui, welcomed the move, describing it as both timely and essential for enhancing diver safety and supporting the growth of Sabah's tourism sector.
'Sabah is world-renowned for its diving spots — from Kota Kinabalu, Sepanggar, and Kota Belud to Kudat, Lahad Datu, and Semporna.
According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, scuba diving has contributed over RM500 million to the state's revenue, which is a substantial boost to the economy,' said Sim.
He noted that recent diving-related incidents, particularly those involving international tourists, have highlighted the need for stricter safety compliance.
'Strengthening SOP compliance is crucial to maintaining Sabah's reputation as a premier diving destination,' he said.
The club recently paid a courtesy visit to KePKAS Permanent Secretary Datuk Josie Lai, who stressed the importance of full adherence to the new SOPs.
The ministry plans to publicly release the SOPs soon and has welcomed support from industry players in promoting awareness and implementation.
As part of their efforts, the Sabah Dive Squad Club will organize a safety and medical talk for its members on July 20, aimed at reinforcing best practices and raising safety awareness among divers and operators.
The initiative follows several recent diver fatalities, some of which were linked to negligence.
'We are fully committed to working with KePKAS and will incorporate the new SOPs into our upcoming safety talk,' Sim added. 'Engaging dive operators and tourism professionals is key to reducing accidents.'
The club urges all dive professionals, tourism operators and recreational divers to participate in the event and stay informed on the latest safety protocols.
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