KOTA KINABALU: Safety-first culture should be nurtured in all activities, especially those that involve risks, said Sabah Tourism, Culture, and Environment Ministry permanent secretary Datuk Josie Lai.
“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 program is an excellent initiative that brings together divers, professionals, and enthusiasts to strengthen awareness on medical and safety issues related to diving,” she said.
Lai was speaking when officiating the Safety Medical Talk 1.0 by the Sabah Dive Squad Club at Dewan Sekafi, Galeri Azman Hashim (GAH), Universiti Malaysia Sabah.
She added that the topics of basic first aid for dive-related medical emergencies were not just informative but may one day save lives.
Invited speakers were scuba diving medical adviser Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li, First Warrant Officer Almudi Eskal as technical diving adviser, and marine conservationist Monica Chin, as well as the ministry’s senior principal assistant secretary Mohd Hisham Ujang.
Mohd Hisham shared about the Ministry’s standard operating procedures on scuba diving.
Meanwhile, club president Sim Fui thanked the ministry for the trust and other co-sponsors for the continuous support in promoting safe, sustainable diving.
“Recent unfortunate incidents involving scuba divers in Sabah have reminded us all that danger can surface at any depth. Whether it’s separation, emergencies underwater, or medical distress, we must be ready—not just as individuals, but as a community.
“Beyond our dives, our club has also stepped up our role 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.
“We believe 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 Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS) and the Borneo Marine Research Institute (BMRI).
There were about 100 participants from the club, dive operators, medical doctors, university lecturers and students, marine professionals, officers from the Police Maritim, the Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, the Fire & Rescue Department of Malaysia, the Royal Malaysian Navy, and related government agencies.
