Divers celebrate Raya underwater

By Olivia Miwil - June 6, 2019 @ 4:43pm

SEMPORNA: The booming diving industry off Semporna waters here has left dive masters and instructors no choice but to work even on festive days.

Semporna Professional Divers Association president Abdul Razak Ismail said water activities were fully booked in Sipadan, Mataking and other diving hotspots here during the Raya holidays.

He said most of the divers were visitors from China and European countries.

“Our members had to take turns to have an off-day to celebrate Raya. But most of the days, we are below the waterline.

“This year, we made it a bit different by wearing baju melayu and having fun in the water,” he said, adding that the traditional attire could be worn underwater and it did not affect their buoyancy.

Razak said it allowed them to share the festive mood and local culture with the tourists.

Razak said a European diver had joined in the fun by wearing a baju kurung.

“As the Aidilfitri celebration entered the second day today, association members also started bringing in kuih raya and other delicacies.

“We are happy to share these delicacies with other divers, especially those from other countries, so that they will also learn our culture,” he added.

Razak said divers who worked on public holidays were paid extra.