Compiled by RAGANANTHINI VETHASALAM, TAN SIN CHOW and R. ARAVINTHAN
A VIDEO of cosmetics mogul Datuk Seri Hasmiza Othman, better known as Vida, indulging in a Discover Scuba Diving experience at Pulau Sipadan, Semporna, has raised some questions.
According to Utusan Malaysia, Semporna Professional Divers Association president Suzimin Edris pointed out that diving is prohibited on the island throughout November, to allow for coral and marine life restoration.
“The island is closed throughout this month, so how did she enter?” he was quoted as saying.
“We also want to know how she was able to do Discover Scuba Diving when the requirement for Sipadan is the Advanced Open Water licence,” Suzimin said.
In response, Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim clarified that Vida was there as a private investor and only wanted to dive within a permitted range near the coast.
“It is not commercial diving done by tourists, but instead it is an activity allowed for Sabah Parks guests,” he said.
Maklarin explained that Sabah Parks officers are allowed to conduct diving activities during the restoration process for the purpose of seabed observation.
He said this was one such event with a guest present.
> Many may have the impression that Zul Ariffin is one of Malaysia’s highest-paid actors based on his reputation and experience.
However, the actor, known for his roles in films like Sheriff, does not share that view.
Speaking to Mingguan Malaysia, Zul said there are other actors who command higher fees.
“Ask any producer who has worked with me, and they will agree that I’m not the most expensive actor,” Zul said. “I did receive handsome payments when I worked on television series, but that was in the past.”
Zul said his fees are commensurate with the work he puts in and the experience he has built over the years.
The above articles are compiled from the vernacular newspapers (Bahasa Malaysia, Chinese and Tamil dailies). As such, stories are grouped according to the respective language/medium. Where a paragraph begins with a, it denotes a separate news item.
