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New Straits Times
2 days ago
- Health
- New Straits Times
Don't ignore patchy 'sunburn' after diving — it could be decompression sickness
KOTA KINABALU: Without proper knowledge, a diving guide would easily brush off a complaint by a scuba diver who has "sunburn" marks on her abdomen or thigh. Scuba diving medical adviser Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li said that those patchy marks at unusual sites on the body could be a symptom known as "cutis marmorata", which is associated with decompression sickness. "During scuba diving, nitrogen moves from high pressure in the lungs into the blood. "When (a diver) swims up (to the surface) too fast, it does not give the nitrogen enough time to leave the blood and it can form 'bubbles' in the body," he said, adding such a condition could lead to decompression sickness that requires urgent medical attention. The Kota Kinabalu Regional Armed Forces internal medicine specialist also said that Sabah, being a diving destination, has three hyperbaric chambers — each here, in Sandakan and in Tawau — to treat decompression sickness. Other diving-related medical conditions such as barotrauma and oxygen toxicity, could happen at sea and within 24 hours after diving. Those conditions could be avoided with proper briefing from the diving operators and strict adherence to guidelines by certified scuba divers. Dr Tan was one of the speakers for the Safety Medical Talk 1.0 by the Sabah Dive Squad Club at Universiti Malaysia Sabah's Azman Hashim Gallery here. The event was also co-organised with Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI). During the launching, Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai said safety-first culture should be nurtured in all activities. "The ocean is a treasure we are blessed with, but it also comes with responsibilities, especially when it comes to ensuring the safety and well-being of those who explore 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. "Today's programme is an excellent initiative that brings together divers, professionals and enthusiasts to strengthen awareness on medical and safety issues related to diving," she said. The ministry's senior principal assistant secretary Mohd Hisham Ujang also presented that the state government is developing a general policy and standard operating procedures (SOP) to improve consistency across all tourism activities in the state. "This framework is not intended to replace existing SOPs, but it is aimed to set a baseline, ensure minimum safety standards and enable a faster, coordinated government response when needed. "This guideline aims to set a baseline, ensure minimum safety standards and enable a faster, coordinated government response when needed." Present was the club president Sim Fui. There were about 100 participants from the club, dive operators, medical doctors, university lecturers and students, marine professionals, officers from the maritime police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, Navy and related government agencies.
The Star
2 days ago
- Health
- The Star
Safety-first culture in diving is essential, says Sabah ministry
Seated from second left, Sim Fui, Josie Lai with speakers and participants during the event. 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.
