By DayakDaily Team
KUALA LUMPUR, Oct 4: The second diving-related death in Pulau Tioman within a month has put safety practices at one of Malaysia’s marine tourism destinations under scrutiny, with the Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) calling for a thorough investigation and stronger enforcement.
MSDA president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said the latest fatality involved tourist Mohammed Seyar Musazay, who died during an introductory scuba-diving activity near Kampung Salang, Tioman, on Sept 30.
The incident followed another fatality involving a foreign tourist after a diving activity in Tioman on Sept 12.
“Two fatalities associated with recreational diving activities at the same destination within a single month are a matter of serious concern and demand urgent, uncompromised attention to safety practices,” he said in a statement today.
MSDA urged the Royal Malaysia Police (PDRM), Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture (MOTAC), Tioman Development Authority (TDA) and other relevant authorities to conduct a comprehensive and impartial investigation into the latest incident.
The association said the investigation should establish the facts without pre-judging the outcome, including examining the dive centre’s operating licence and the professional qualifications and credentials of the instructor involved.
It also called for checks on whether annual licence renewals and Emergency First Response (EFR) certifications were current.
Operational aspects including supervision ratios, staffing levels, equipment condition and maintenance, as well as standard operating procedures, should also be scrutinised, it said.
MSDA further called for authorities to examine emergency-response procedures and whether actions taken at the scene complied with established safety protocols.
The association urged MOTAC and TDA to work together to strengthen oversight, conduct regular inspections and take firm action where safety or licensing rules had been breached.
“If serious breaches in safety protocols, licensing rules, or negligence are found, we demand severe action — including ordering the operator to cease operations,” said Aminor.
He said operators found to have shown negligence should not be allowed to remain in the diving industry.
“The safety and well-being of divers and all personnel involved in recreational diving must always remain the highest priority.
“Commercial considerations must never compromise established safety requirements or responsible diving practices,” he said.
MSDA also warned that further incidents could damage public confidence in Malaysia as a diving and marine tourism destination.
It urged dive operators, diving professionals, training and certification agencies, tourism stakeholders and the wider diving community to proactively review their safety protocols and emergency preparedness.
Any systemic weaknesses identified through investigations or industry reviews should be addressed promptly, it said.
MSDA said it remained committed to working with authorities and industry stakeholders to promote safe, responsible and sustainable diving practices while maintaining public confidence in Malaysia as a trusted diving destination. — DayakDaily
