Sabah Diving fraternity raises virtual white flag for food assistance

 By Olivia Miwil - July 12, 2021 @ 4:13pm

Pic courtesy of Semporna Heroes

SEMPORNA: Despite receiving assistance from many quarters, diving industry players in the district are still facing a tough time putting enough food on the table for their families.

Semporna Heroes co-founder Jamilah Ang said since last year, tourism operators in the district had been helping each other but their resources have been stretched to the maximum following the prolonged Movement Control Order brought about by Covid-19.

"Until now, all of us are struggling (financially) and we need assistance to help our members to sustain at least for another two weeks.

"That is why we are 'raising' a white flag to help among our circles of members, especially those with young children," she said, referring to the virtual campaign on Facebook for the scuba diving community here, Kota Kinabalu, Tuaran, Kota Belud, Semporna, Sandakan, Kudat, Lahad Datu and Kunak.

She said industry players are appreciative with continuous assistance from the government and elected representatives, as well as other non-governmental organisations including Kembara Kitchen.

However, due to most players having large families, that assistance could not sustain them for a longer duration.

"For example, 10-kilogramme rice packet might only last less than a week for Semporna people as compared to families in Kota Kinabalu.

"The size of the families in the district is usually above 10 people per household," she said.

Jamilah, who is also Semporna Tourism Association chairman, said the Sabah government's latest third edition of Bantuan Sabah Prihatin is indeed helpful for those who lost their incomes.

However, with the criteria to have valid licenses to qualify for the assistance, some chose to forego the financial aid.

"During this time, dive instructors and masters, as well as boatmen, are prioritising in putting food on tables rather than renewing their licences.

"The renewal fees could range from a few hundred up to thousand ringgits each, which is more than the one-off RM300 cash assistance."

Since January last year to curb the Covid-19 pandemic, Jamilah said about 2,300 of the divers, boatmen, scuba guides and other related jobs in the district were affected by the state borders closure especially involving tourists from China.

"Even though there were several brief periods where the government allowed the reopening of the industry, with more than 100 companies in the district, not everyone is enjoying the pie (involving domestic tourists).

"We are hoprful that the government would speed up the vaccination programme so that the industry can be reopened," she said.

For those wishing to donate, they can channel funds to Red Divers Sdn Bhd Maybank account at 564762313794 or email lumaselakan@gmail.com. The campaign will end on July 31.