Latest news with #SimFui
Daily Express
a day ago
- Politics
- Daily Express
LDP calls for national hotline to tackle school bullying
Published on: Thursday, August 14, 2025 Published on: Thu, Aug 14, 2025 Text Size: KOTA KINABALU: Liberal Democratic Party (LDP) vice-president Sim Fui ( pic ) has urged the Education Ministry (MOE) to set up a National Whistleblower Care Line to enable students and parents to report bullying, harassment and abuse in schools without fear of retaliation. Sim expressed his condolences to the family of Zara Qairina Mahathir, saying her passing was deeply saddening but had raised national awareness on the seriousness of bullying in schools. He proposed that the hotline be operated independently under the ministry, with direct links to the police and Social Welfare Department to ensure no cases are silenced at the school level. Key features suggested include a 24/7 toll-free line, multiple reporting channels, confidentiality and protection under existing laws, swift action within 24 hours for critical cases, a case tracking system, and regular public accountability reports. Sim also called on the ministry to work closely with the Women, Family and Community Development Ministry, child rights advocates and civil society groups to implement the initiative without delay. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
20-07-2025
- 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.
New Straits Times
12-06-2025
- Business
- New Straits Times
Sabah introduces new diving safety SOPs ahead of Visit Malaysia Year 2026
KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry has established a set of safety standard operating procedures (SOPs) for scuba diving activities in the state. The move underscores the government's commitment to responsible and sustainable tourism in the lead-up to the Visit Malaysia Year 2026 campaign. Sabah Dive Squad Club president Sim Fui welcomed the initiative, describing it as both timely and crucial in enhancing diver safety while supporting the state's tourism industry. "Sabah is renowned for its beautiful diving spots from the state capital, Sepanggar, Kota Belud, Kudat, Lahad Datu, to Semporna. "According to the Sabah Fisheries Department, the scuba diving industry has contributed over RM500 million to the state's revenue. That figure is a significant boost to Sabah's economy. "However, it is concerning when diving accidents occur, especially those involving international visitors. Strengthening SOP compliance is essential to maintain our reputation as a world-class diving destination," he said in a statement. Sim and the committee members from the club had paid a courtesy visit to the ministry's Permanent Secretary, Datuk Josie Lai at Wisma Tun Fuad Stephens here yesterday. During the meeting, Lai had said that the ministry expressed its intention to release the SOP publicly soon and welcomed the club's support in educating industry stakeholders. In line with this, the Sabah Dive Squad Club will be organising a safety and medical talk for its members on July 20, aiming to raise awareness and reinforce best practices among divers and operators. The event follows recent incidents involving diver fatalities, some of which have been attributed to negligence. "We welcome this collaboration with the ministry and will incorporate the updated SOPs into our upcoming safety talk.
Daily Express
12-06-2025
- Health
- Daily Express
Sabah launches scuba diving safety SOPs ahead of Visit Malaysia 2026
Published on: Thursday, June 12, 2025 Published on: Thu, Jun 12, 2025 Text Size: The Deus committee - Facebook pic 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. Advertisement 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. * Follow us on our official WhatsApp channel and Telegram for breaking news alerts and key updates! * Do you have access to the Daily Express e-paper and online exclusive news? Check out subscription plans available. Stay up-to-date by following Daily Express's Telegram channel. Daily Express Malaysia
The Star
08-06-2025
- The Star
Rogue fishers still blast the depths
Explosive danger: Damaged coral beds and dead marine species are tragic reminders that the destructive practice of fish bombing remains a threat. KOTA KINABALU: Fish bombing. A mere two-word term but the destructive act, which began decades ago in Sabah, has yet to be stopped. 'It is still happening despite the increased patrols and awareness programmes held for the locals,' said Deus Diving Club (DDC) president Sim Fui. 'We believe stronger and more consistent enforcement is key. 'This includes tighter maritime surveillance in known hotspots and community-based intelligence gathering involving local fishermen and dive operators,' he said. He suggested that there be stricter penalties for offenders to serve as deterrents. Under the Fisheries Act, fish bombing is punishable with fines not exceeding RM20,000 or a jail term of up to two years or both. According to Save Our Seas Foundation, fishermen use home-made bottle bombs packed with fertiliser and kerosene, which are detonated by a fuse inserted through the top. Sim said there should also be increased funding and training for enforcement agencies such as the marine police and Sabah Parks, adding that more education and outreach programmes should be held for coastal communities to promote sustainable fishing alternatives. Sim said the DDC is a community of divers and ocean advocates concerned about the persistence of fish bombing, particularly around the west coast and the northern reefs. He said the underwater explosions, damaged coral beds, and dead marine species are tragic reminders that this destructive practice remains a threat. The dangers of fish bombing extend beyond ecological destruction as it poses serious danger to recreational divers, marine researchers, and local communities, he said. He said that sudden underwater explosions can cause barotrauma, disorientation, or even fatalities to divers in the vicinity. Ultimately, he said that protecting Sabah's marine heritage is a shared responsibility. 'We call upon all stakeholders – from authorities to NGOs to tourism operators – to work together towards a future where our oceans are safe and thriving with fish bombing a thing of the past,' he said. He acknowledged fish bombing cases are not as rampant as before. 'But we still receive occasional reports from our members and dive operators, especially in less patrolled areas,' he said. In fact, recent engagement programmes with coastal communities found that some fishermen even lost their limbs due to fish bombing. A news report six months ago said that a sea gypsy was fishing in waters off Semporna several years ago when his boat sank after a sudden blast at sea. Though his friends came to his aid, he had also lost part of his arm. His testimony was shared in a documentary on the sea people of Sabah during a conference on plastic pollution and fish bombing organised by environmental organisation Blu Hope. Previous reports by authorities show that raids on fishing vessels often lead to the seizure of explosives believed to be used for illegal fishing.
