KOTA KINABALU: Merdeka Dive 2025 took place today with the official launch by First Admiral Kamalrulzaman bin Zainul Ahkmar, Submarine Admiral, and it brings together 80 divers from various government agencies, NGOs, and academic institutions for a meaningful mission to protect and restore Sabah’s marine ecosystem.
Participating agencies include the Fire & Rescue Department (Bomba), Marine Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (APMM), Sabah Parks, Deus Diving Club, HYTECH-POMMEC, and Universiti Malaysia Sabah (UMS).
The programme, among others, aimed to scientifically restore coral structures while raising community awareness about the importance of preserving the marine ecosystem in its natural state through conservation activities.
It is also intended to foster strategic collaboration between government agencies and NGOs, leveraging expertise from marine biologists at UMS to provide guidance and technical advice.
Apart from that, it conducts underwater clean-up operations, removing marine debris and controlling destructive species such as sea urchins and crown-of-thorns starfish that threaten coral reefs.
This initiative symbolises unity and patriotism during the Merdeka season, reminding us that safeguarding the environment is part of our national responsibility.
