when did the centre start the awareness prog with the villagers

By Olivia Miwil - May 13, 2020 @ 1:28pm

Abdul Razak Ismail (left) and Camuel Tsen.

SEMPORNA: As a diving heaven, the world famous Sipadan thrives on tourism.

Semporna Professional Diving Association president Abdul Razak Ismail said that despite the government allowing recreational activities during the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO), there were still very few tourists keen to spend their money on vacation.

"In previous years, this period in the year would see Semporna flooded with tourists, mostly from outside the state.

"During peak season, the famous Bohey Dulang trail would be crowded with visitors and even dive masters and instructors, bringing tourists almost daily," he told the New Straits Times.

Abdul Razak, who is also an underwater photographer, said with no international flights bringing in foreign tourists, dive and resort operators and restaurants in the district would not be able to sustain their businesses.

He added that the local market was simply too small to be tapped.

"People still don't feel safe to do outdoor activities. For diving, there are not many locals who are into it.

"In Semporna, local divers are mostly those who do it to earn a living," he said, adding that most of the association members understood the reality and the need to look at other areas including selling fish and food items, as well as taking other essential jobs to survive.

In Kudat, which boasts the country's largest marine park, the Tun Mustapha Park, dive operator Camuel Tsen said they would not resume business for the time being.

"We have received a circular from Sabah Parks that we can conduct diving activities for local tourists. But relying only on domestic tourists cannot ensure business survival," she said, adding that the dive centre would only likely be opened once travel restrictions on foreign tourists are lifted.