Accra:The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has expressed its readiness to serve as a strategic partner to the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and other relevant government bodies to enhance the country's marine tourism and conservation sectors, in response to the allocations announced under Budget 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MSDA President Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip emphasized the association's commitment to actively participate in policy planning, industry development, safety standards, regulatory compliance, human capital development, and tourism promotion. He noted that the increased development allocation in the budget serves as a catalyst for stronger collaboration between the government and industry stakeholders, aiming to protect Malaysia's marine heritage while ensuring equitable economic benefits for coastal communities.
Aminor Azmi highlighted that the focus of marine tourism development should encompass safety, industry professionalism, the well-being of local communities, and environmental sustainability. He stressed that the success of tourism should not only be measured by visitor numbers but also by the creation of economic opportunities and the preservation of marine heritage for future generations.
The MSDA has estimated that Malaysia hosts more than 800 companies engaged in marine-based tourism, with a scuba diving community of around 500,000 individuals. Aminor Azmi also pointed out six key proposals submitted to MOTAC, which include the establishment of a National Recreational Scuba Diving Safety Council to oversee safety standards, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
He advocated for improved safety and service quality through heightened professional standards and stricter enforcement of dive guide licensing requirements. Additionally, he proposed an expanded role for MSDA in promoting scuba diving through dive festivals, photography contests, and international marketing initiatives.
For infrastructure and sustainable tourism governance, Aminor Azmi called for upgrades to jetties and the separation of passenger and cargo movements, as well as managing visitor carrying capacities at Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Bidong, Labuan, and emerging destinations in Sabah to prevent overtourism.
He also proposed that MOTAC collaborate with ministries related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to establish a National Scuba Diving Academy, offering skills training, safety education, and career pathways for youth. Furthermore, he advocated for expanding joint marine conservation efforts focusing on coral reef protection, ghost net management, pollution control, and raising public environmental awareness.