KUALA LUMPUR: Protecting marine ecosystems must go hand-in-hand with promoting diving destinations if Malaysia is to sustain its growing scuba diving industry, says Datuk Seri Tiong King Sing.
The Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister said one of the industry’s biggest challenges is coral bleaching, which threatens the very ecosystems that attract divers from around the world.
Citing findings from the National Oceanic and Atmospheric Administration, he said about 84.4% of the world’s coral reefs experienced heat stress between January 2023 and September last year.
More alarmingly, about 90% of Malaysia’s corals were reported to have undergone bleaching.
“The implications are clear. Without healthy coral reefs, Malaysia cannot maintain a world-class scuba diving industry. Without responsible management, there will be no sustainable marine tourism economy.
“That is why we must move beyond simply selling destinations and focus on managing our marine ecosystems responsibly,” he said in a speech read by the ministry’s deputy secretary-general (tourism) Chua Choon Hwa at the opening of the Malaysia International Dive Expo yesterday.
Tiong also stressed the importance of professionalism within the local scuba diving industry.
“Dive centres cannot afford to compromise on safety, training quality or integrity,” he said, noting that Malaysia has adopted internationally recognised standards for scuba diving training.
“We will not hesitate to take stern action against unlicensed operators and those who misuse their licences. This is essential to ensure the industry’s sustainable and professional growth on the international stage.”
Tiong said the ministry would continue working with industry stakeholders to strengthen competency standards and operational guidelines.
“We want to elevate instructors beyond being recreational facilitators and recognise them as professionals supported by international standards,” he said.
Malaysia Scuba Diving Association president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said the industry is facing significant challenges this year, including the impact of global geopolitical uncertainties.
“We should not view this as obstacles but as opportunities to elevate service quality and offer competitive pricing. We are more than capable of tackling these challenges.”
He also urged operators to ensure they hold valid licences under the Tourism Industry Act.
Meanwhile, the expo’s organiser Ness Puvanes said Malaysia remains one of the region’s strongest diving destinations, with an estimated 500,000 certified divers nationwide.
“That number continues to grow every year, creating tremendous opportunities for tourism and economic development.
“At the same time, it brings greater responsibility. As the industry expands, collaboration between training agencies, operators, associations and government authorities becomes increasingly important,” she said.
