KNOWN globally for its crystal-clear waters and breathtaking marine biodiversity, Semporna has long been a diver’s dream.
But with growing tourism, the challenge has been in finding a balance between attracting visitors and protecting fragile marine ecosystems.
In a move towards sustainable marine tourism, 15 new eco-friendly snorkelling guides (EFSG) have now been certified.
The 15 underwent a four-day training programme from Aug 29 to Sept 1, designed to prepare them – students, lecturers, and resort staff – for careers in tourism while ensuring they uphold responsible and environmentally conscious practices.
The course covered best snorkelling practices, eco-friendly tourist briefings, marine conservation awareness, and First Aid Responder certification, equipping guides with skills to manage emergencies at sea.
The programme was a joint initiative by Kolej Komuniti Semporna, Reef Check Malaysia, Maglami-Lami, and the Malaysian Red Crescent Society (MRCS).
“Our participants showed tremendous enthusiasm throughout the training. With tourism in Semporna rapidly expanding, it is critical that we address environmental challenges before they worsen,” said Noriza Ariffin, Industrial and Alumni Relations Officer of Kolej Komuniti Semporna.
“By certifying eco-friendly guides, we are building a future where snorkelling and other marine tourism activities can thrive without harming the fragile marine ecosystem that supports our community’s livelihood.”
Semporna has often been described as a “tourism paradise,” drawing thousands of visitors each year to its idyllic islands and world-class dive sites. But alongside this growth have come concerns over environmental degradation, unmanaged waste, and unprofessional guiding practices.
Reef Check Malaysia’s programme manager Adzmin Fatta said their survey data shows tourism has become an emerging threat to Semporna’s coral reef ecosystems.
“Practices such as anchoring on reefs, fish feeding, and physical damage from snorkellers and divers can have a detrimental impact on coral health,” he said.
“This is further worsened by direct wastewater discharge from water-based resorts that lack proper sewage systems. Nutrient pollution can severely degrade reef conditions.
“Our data shows that Mabul and Kapalai – two of the most popular tourist destinations – now rank among the lowest for live coral cover, while Larapan Island, with only one resort, maintains one of the highest reef health levels after Sipadan.”
He added that the EFSG programme has been Reef Check Malaysia’s flagship initiative under its sustainable tourism efforts.
“This year alone, more than 70 guides have been trained across Sabah, equipping them with the knowledge and skills to minimise tourism’s impact on fragile marine ecosystems,” Adzmin said.
“Programmes like eco-friendly snorkelling guides train guides to adopt reef-safe practices, such as stopping fish feeding, preventing anchoring on reefs, and ensuring zero marine pollution.
“This works hand-in-hand with initiatives like Green Fins certification for tour operators.”
