Scuba diving course paves way in promoting Miri as scuba destination

MIRI (Sept 7): Six local journalists and members of Northern Sarawak Journalists Association (NSJA) took part in the ‘Try Pool Scuba Training’ course at Gymkhana Club Miri (GCM) yesterday.

The programme’s objectives, according to organising chairperson Noriza Jau, were to equip participants with essential diving skills and awareness on the importance of diving safety and environmental stewardship.

By participating and reporting on their experiences, the media practitioners can act as a bridge in informing the wider public on safety practices in scuba diving, she said, adding that it was also part of NSJA’s efforts to promote the city as a diving destination.

“Miri, often referred to as the gateway to Borneo’s gateway wonders, boasts some of Malaysia’s most stunning dive sites, including the pristine Miri-Sibuti Coral Reef National Park where divers get to encounter a diverse array of marine life.

“Amidst these incredible spots and dive experience, Miri remains relatively unknown as a diving destination on the global stage, thus, the needs for the media’s involvement,” she said.

The half-day course was conducted by scuba instructor Lim Tung Yew, assisted by dive guide Nurfatrina Hamdan.

The participants were introduced to basic diving concepts such as equipment use, safety protocols, underwater communication, and a demonstration on underwater diving in the pool.