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The Malaysia Scuba Diving Association (MSDA) has called for a full investigation into two recent diving fatalities on Pulau Tioman.
MSDA president Aminor Azmi Abdul Latip said the deaths of two foreign tourists within less than three weeks were a matter of serious concern and required urgent scrutiny of safety practices on the island.
He said that operators should be ordered to cease operations if they are found to have breached safety standards or been otherwise negligent.
The announcement was made after Mohammed Seyar Musazay, 55, died during a Discover Scuba Diving (DSD) experience off Kampung Salang on 30 September, after getting into difficulty towards the end of the session.
His death followed that of Indian tourist Sabiya Shiek, 65, on 12 September, after she slipped from a boat after leaving the water following a similar introductory dive.
MSDA has urged police, the Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, the Tioman Development Authority and other relevant authorities to conduct what it described as a ‘comprehensive, impartial, and thorough investigation’ into the latest incident.
The association said investigators should examine the dive centres’ operating licences, the instructors’ professional qualifications and credentials, including whether annual renewals and Emergency First Response certifications were current, as well as supervision ratios, staffing levels, equipment condition and maintenance, operating procedures and emergency response.
‘If serious breaches in safety protocols, licensing rules, or negligence are found, we demand severe action, including ordering the operator to cease operations,’ Aminor said.
‘The safety and well-being of divers and all personnel involved in recreational diving must always remain the highest priority. Commercial considerations must never compromise established safety requirements or responsible diving practices.’
Aminor said further incidents risked damaging confidence in Malaysia’s diving industry and called on operators, diving professionals and training organisations to review their safety and emergency procedures.
‘Any systemic weaknesses identified through the authorities’ investigations or industry reviews should be addressed promptly and appropriately,’ he said.
The post Malaysia diving association calls for investigation after Tioman deaths appeared first on DIVE Magazine.
