Accra:The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) is poised to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and other government bodies to enhance Malaysia's marine tourism and conservation sectors, following significant allocations in Budget 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MSDA President Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip emphasized the association's intention to contribute actively to policy planning, industry development, safety standards, regulatory compliance, human capital development, and tourism promotion. He highlighted that the increased budget allocation would foster stronger cooperation between the government and industry stakeholders to safeguard Malaysia's marine heritage while ensuring fair economic benefits for coastal communities.
Aminor Azmi stated that marine tourism development should prioritize safety, industry professionalism, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. He noted that success should be measured not only by visitor numbers but also by economic opportunities and preservation of marine heritage for future generations.
MSDA estimates that Malaysia hosts over 800 companies engaged in marine-based tourism, with a scuba diving community of around 500,000 individuals. Aminor Azmi reiterated the importance of six key proposals previously submitted to MOTAC, including the creation of a National Recreational Scuba Diving Safety Council to oversee safety standards and regulatory compliance.
He called for improvements in safety and service quality through enhanced professional standards and stricter enforcement of dive guide licensing. Additionally, he proposed an expanded role for MSDA in promoting scuba diving via festivals, photography contests, and international marketing.
Regarding infrastructure and sustainable tourism governance, Aminor Azmi advocated for jetty upgrades, separation of passenger and cargo movements, and management of visitor capacities at Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Bidong, Labuan, and new destinations in Sabah to prevent overcrowding.
For human capital development, he suggested collaboration between MOTAC and Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) ministries to establish a National Scuba Diving Academy, offering skills training, safety education, and career pathways for youth.
He also urged for expanded joint marine conservation efforts, focusing on coral reef protection, ghost net management, pollution control, and raising public environmental awareness.