Accra:The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) is set to collaborate with the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC) and other relevant government agencies to enhance the country's marine tourism and conservation sectors, following the allocations announced in Budget 2027.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, MSDA president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip expressed the association's commitment to actively participate in policy planning, industry development, safety standards, regulatory compliance, human capital development, and tourism promotion. The increased development allocation in the new budget is anticipated to foster stronger strategic cooperation between the government and industry stakeholders to protect Malaysia's marine heritage and ensure equitable economic benefits for coastal communities.
Aminor Azmi emphasized that marine tourism development should align with safety, industry professionalism, community well-being, and environmental sustainability. He mentioned that the success of tourism efforts should not only be gauged by visitor numbers but also by the economic opportunities they create and the preservation of marine heritage for future generations.
Industry estimates indicate that Malaysia hosts over 800 companies involved in marine-based tourism and a scuba diving community of approximately 500,000 individuals. Aminor Azmi pointed out six key proposals made to MOTAC, including the formation of the National Recreational Scuba Diving Safety Council to oversee safety standards, risk management, and regulatory compliance.
He also emphasized the importance of improving safety and service quality by enhancing professional standards and enforcing dive guide licensing requirements. MSDA aims to expand its role in promoting scuba diving through dive festivals, photography contests, and international marketing initiatives.
On infrastructure and sustainable tourism governance, he called for improvements to jetties, separating passenger and cargo movements, and managing visitor capacities at Pulau Tenggol, Pulau Bidong, Labuan, and emerging destinations in Sabah to prevent overtourism.
For human capital development, Aminor Azmi proposed collaboration between MOTAC and ministries related to Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) to establish a National Scuba Diving Academy. This academy would offer skills training, safety education, and career pathways for youth. Additionally, he advocated for expanded joint marine conservation efforts, focusing on coral reef protection, ghost net management, pollution control, and raising public environmental awareness.