Genting, Singapore's SUTL to develop Langkawi marina for superyachts

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Genting Malaysia Bhd and SUTL Enterprise Ltd will jointly develop ONE°15 Marina Langkawi, a new marina at Resorts World Langkawi with more than 90 berths and capacity to accommodate superyachts of up to 140 feet. 

The marina is expected to welcome its first yachts in the second half of 2027, according to a joint statement issued by Resorts World Langkawi and SUTL Enterprise last Friday. 

The collaboration brings together the companies' complementary expertise to develop the project as a waterfront destination for travellers, yacht owners and the wider yachting community. 

The development will expand Langkawi's cruising infrastructure, with facilities for yacht owners and charter operators, as well as access to yacht charters, island-hopping trips and sunset cruises. 

Visitors to the marina will also have access to the hospitality, accommodation, dining and entertainment facilities at Resorts World Langkawi. 

Situated along the Andaman Sea between Singapore and Phuket, Langkawi is a stopover for yachts travelling along established cruising routes in Southeast Asia.

The island's tourism infrastructure, international connectivity and duty-free status are expected to support further growth in marine tourism. 

Genting Malaysia president Lee Thiam Kit said Resorts World Langkawi has always been committed to creating unique experiences that celebrate the beauty and character of the island. 

"Through our collaboration with ONE°15 Marina, we look forward to enhancing Langkawi's appeal as a premier island tourism destination, offering visitors new ways to explore the island and its surrounding waters. 

"This partnership also supports the Langkawi Development Authority's vision of strengthening Langkawi's position as a world-class tourism destination, by enriching the island's tourism offerings and contributing to the sustainable growth of its maritime and leisure sectors," he added. 

SUTL Enterprise executive director and chief executive officer Arthur Tay said the development of ONE°15 Marina Langkawi represents an important milestone in the continued expansion of its marina network and reinforces its commitment to developing waterfront destinations across Asia. 

He added that Langkawi's strategic location along the Andaman Sea, between ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in Singapore and ONE°15 Marina Panwa Phuket in Thailand, will strengthen the yachting route and enable boaters to enjoy seamless cruising holidays across the three destinations. 

"Our regional marina footprint is carefully curated, each defined by a distinct personality and experience, delivering consistently high marina standards, offering members and the wider yachting community a diverse yet cohesive range of exceptional lifestyle-led marina experiences across the region," he said. 

Listed on the Singapore Exchange main board, SUTL Enterprise develops and operates marinas, and provides marina consultancy, marina development and yacht chartering services. 

It owns the ONE°15 Marina Sentosa Cove in Singapore and operates ONE15 Luxury Yachting, which offers yacht chartering services at the club.

-nst online.

Aquawalk to develop new RM70.5mil oceanarium in Sabah

 

KUALA LUMPUR: Aquawalk Group Bhd's (Aquawalk) upcoming Aquaria KK project in Kota Kinabalu, Sabah, is estimated to cost RM70.5 million and is targeted for completion by 2029. 

In a filing with Bursa Malaysia today, the group said the oceanarium, which will be wholly owned by Aquawalk, will be funded via a combination of its initial public offering (IPO) proceeds of RM39.6 million, internally generated funds and, where appropriate, bank borrowings. 

"Aquawalk KK Sdn Bhd has entered into a 30-year lease agreement with Jesselton Docklands 1 Sdn Bhd for approximately 73,054 square feet of premises within the Bedrock at Jesselton Docklands, Kota Kinabalu, Sabah. 

"This will be the group's first venture into Sabah, further expanding its portfolio, which includes Aquaria KLCC, Aquaria Phuket and a 40 per cent equity interest in Jakarta Aquarium and Safari," it said. 

Aquawalk group executive chairman Datuk Simon Foong said the project represents a key milestone in its regional growth plans. 

"Our expansion into Sabah strengthens our position in the marine attractions industry and allows us to extend our brand into a high-growth tourism market.

"With its prime waterfront location, the Bedrock at Jesselton Docklands offers a compelling platform for Aquaria KK to become a key tourism landmark in Sabah," he said. 

Aquawalk said the oceanarium will be wholly owned by the group, instead of the earlier planned 60:40 joint venture, to streamline execution and retain full operational control. 

With a built-up area comparable to Aquaria KLCC, the new facility is projected to attract about 360,000 visitors annually, supported by growing tourist arrivals to Sabah. 

Foong said the project is expected to enhance the group's recurring income base and strengthen long-term earnings visibility. 

"With our proven track record in developing and operating world-class marine attractions, we are confident in delivering a compelling visitor experience in Kota Kinabalu," he added.

nst online.

Malaysia International Boat Show 2026 (MYBOS’26) @ Royal Langkawi Yacht Club ( 2–5 April 2026 )

 

The Malaysia International Boat Show 2026 (MYBOS’26) returns this coming 2–5 April 2026 to the prestigious Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, bringing the absolute finest in yachting, marine innovation, and luxury lifestyle!

Set against a breathtaking marina backdrop, MYBOS’26 features an excellent showcase of luxury yachts, artisan markets, marine lifestyle experiences, and exciting entertainment perfect for families.

Join us as we celebrate “The Rise of Nautical Tourism in Malaysia” where premium luxury and family leisure unite.

Venue: Royal Langkawi Yacht Club, Malaysia

Date: 2–5 April 2026

Discover more online: www.mybos.my

-Malaysia International Boat Show.

MMEA assures maritime tourism safety ahead of VM2026

 

PUTRAJAYA: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency has given its assurances that the country's maritime tourism safety is under control and fully prepared to support the Visit Malaysia 2026 (VM2026) campaign. 

Its director-general, Admiral Datuk Mohd Rosli Abdullah, said as Malaysia's main maritime law enforcement and search-and-rescue (SAR) agency, MMEA is key to reassuring both domestic and international tourists in its waters. 

He said in 2025, MMEA carried out 256 SAR operations, rescuing 1,768 of 1,930 people, with 125 fatalities. 

"MMEA aims to prevent a rise in maritime accidents caused by negligence or poor safety awareness, especially among maritime tourists and operators," he said in a statement today. 

He said MMEA is on high alert to ensure maritime tourism activities are safe, secure, and standards-compliant year-round.

Rosli said maritime safety requires the commitment of boat operators, tourism agencies, and all involved, not just the MMEA.

"Following safety procedures, including wearing life jackets, carrying emergency kits and Personal Locator Beacons (PLBs), using registered and seaworthy boats, and checking weather conditions before going out to sea, is essential to prevent accidents and loss of life," he said. 

Rosli said, ahead of VM2026, special focus is on maritime tourism hotspots, including resort islands, coastal waters, ferry routes, and recreational sea activity sites, adding that their approach goes beyond enforcement, focusing on early prevention and safety monitoring to ensure tourists experience Malaysian waters as safe and well-managed. 

Meanwhile, he said MMEA will celebrate its 21st anniversary tomorrow in Miri, Sarawak, under the theme "21 Tahun Maritim Malaysia: Maritim Diperkasa, Samudera Terpelihara, highlighting its ongoing commitment to safeguarding the nation's waters. 

He said the celebration also strengthens ties among the MMEA, maritime communities, tourism and shipping industry players, and related agencies, while promoting maritime safety and public awareness of the agency's role in protecting national waters.

-nst online.

Pesta Candat Sotong Marang 2025 ( 13 ~ 14 Jun 2025 )

 

Pesta Candat Sotong Marang 2025

Ikonik bagi Daerah Marang iaitu Aktiviti mencandat Sotong mmg tidak asing lagi.

Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Marang Official  akan menganjurkan Pesta Candat Sotong Marang 2025 pada 13-14 Jun 2025 (Jumaat-Sabtu).

Bot adalah Terhad. First Come First Serve

Hubungi 'pic' di poster untuk keterangan lanjut..

-Pejabat Daerah Dan Tanah Marang Official.

Expectations surpassed as 33 exhibitors set for inaugural Mybos '25 in Langkawi

 

LANGKAWI: More than 33 exhibitors from within and outside the country will take part in the inaugural Malaysia International Boat Show 2025 (Mybos '25).

The number, which includes luxury yacht, marine technology and nautical tourism investment companies, surpasses the organisers' initial expectations.

The four-day event is scheduled to run from May 21 to 24 at the Royal Langkawi Yacht Club (RLYC), and will be officially launched by the Sultan of Kedah, Al Aminul Karim Sultan Sallehuddin Sultan Badlishah.

The event's organising company chairman Datuk Mohammed Radzi Manan said the early response to the showcase had been overwhelming and far beyond expectations.

"This is the first event of its kind in Malaysia and it reflects Langkawi's growing recognition as a major stopover for international sailors. The economic potential is enormous.

"Mybos '25 is expected to attract thousands of local and international visitors, further cementing Langkawi's status as a premier yachting tourism hub in the region," he said in a statement today.

Radzi said the exhibitors taking part in the show will include government agencies, private sector players and international institutions.

The event will feature a combination of industry showcases, high-level forums and strategic networking sessions.

"In addition to highlighting the beauty and potential of Malaysia's maritime sector, Mybos '25 will also host several key side events, including the Malaysia Yachting Conference on May 23 and the launch of the Malaysia Yacht Code 2025 Guideline by the Marine Department," he said.

He added that among the highlights will be the showcase of Motoryacht MYA, a 110m-long luxury vessel registered under the Malaysian flag.

"The yacht is currently anchored off the exhibition site to undergo audits and official checks related to its registration," he added.

The debut event is jointly organised by Mybos Event Sdn Bhd and Sail Malaysia, with support from the Langkawi Development Authority, the Tourism, Arts and Culture Ministry and the Transport Ministry.

-nst online.

Embracing the marine wonders of Sabah's Tun Mustapha Park

 

photo: Tourism Malaysia

JUST off the northern shores of Sabah, the Tun Mustapha Park stands as a testament to Malaysia's commitment to marine conservation and sustainable tourism.

Spanning over 2.4 million acres across the Kudat, Pitas, and Kota Marudu districts, this marine sanctuary encompasses over 50 islands and islets, making it not only Malaysia's largest marine protected area (MPA) but also a vital haven for a myriad of marine life.

Established in 2016 after years of meticulous planning and collaboration, Tun Mustapha Park serves as a prime example of how concerted efforts can lead to the preservation of our planet's precious natural resources.

This marine park is a stronghold for biodiversity, hosting more than 250 coral species and 300 fish species, alongside endangered creatures like green turtles and dugongs.

It also protects vital ecosystems such as seagrass beds and mangrove forests, essential for the survival of numerous species and for maintaining the ecological balance of the region.

One of the unique aspects of Tun Mustapha Park is its approach to fishing. Recognising the dependency of over 80,000 local community members on the sea for their livelihoods, the park has designated zones where sustainable fishing practices are allowed.

This innovative management ensures the long-term sustainability of marine resources while supporting the economic well-being of the local populations.

But Tun Mustapha Park isn't just a conservation success story; it's also a beacon for sustainable tourism. Visitors to the park can engage in a variety of eco-friendly activities, from staying in homestays run by local families to participating in mangrove tours and turtle conservation efforts.

These activities not only offer unique experiences to eco-conscious travellers but also bring economic benefits to the local communities, highlighting the potential for conservation and community development to go hand in hand.

-nst online.

Multilingual brochure aims to extend Sabah's tourism appeal in key European markets

 

KOTA KINABALU: Recognising the importance of diversity in language, the Sabah Tourism Board (STB) went a step further in reaching out to a wider audience by unveiling a multilingual brochure for an ongoing tourism event in Berlin.

This is to enhance the experience of German-speaking travellers and to better highlight the captivating destination of Sabah, said state Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Christina Liew.

She said Germany contributed the second highest number of tourist arrivals to Sabah from Europe, after the United Kingdom and Ireland last year. It was followed by the Netherlands and France, she added.

Liew said this showed that it was important to engage with the German market and provide information tailored to its needs and preferences.

“While English remains widely spoken and understood, STB recognises the importance of providing information in multiple languages (for) travellers from different backgrounds,” she said when launching the brochure at ITB Berlin recently. The event is being held from Tuesday to Thursday (March 5 to 7).

“The decision to have the brochure in German, Dutch, French and Spanish reflects STB's dedication to ensuring inclusivity and accessibility for all visitors,” she added.

She said STB embraced linguistic diversity in catering to the unique preferences of visitors.

“By offering information in (multiple languages), we aim to enhance the accessibility of Sabah's rich cultural heritage and natural beauty to a broader audience," she added.

These attractions include Sabah's wildlife sanctuaries, marine parks and community-based tourism.

-thestar online.

Sambutan Hari Pelaut Peringkat Kebangsaan 2023 @ Marina Putrajaya ( 24 & 25 Jun 2023 )

 

Kemeriahan Temasya & Gerbang Kerjaya Maritim Anda!

Jom ke Karnival Pelaut Pada 24 dan 25 Jun 2023, di Marina Putrajaya. “No seafarer, No shipping, No shopping!” Kenali dunia maritim dan bidang profesional pelaut yang terbentang luas di Malaysia.

Pelbagai aktiviti menarik yang disediakan untuk kanak-kanak, belia serta ibu bapa seperti persembahan muzik pentas, sesi penerangan kerjaya/kursus pelaut, pertandingan sukan air, trak makanan, dan banyak lagi aktiviti untuk anda dan keluarga!

Jumpa anda semua di Karnival Pelaut! Untuk maklumat lanjut layari: 

SEAFARER CARNIVAL - KWPPL

-Jabatan Laut Malaysia.

Terengganu perkenal segmen arkeo-pelancongan bawah air

 

AHLI penyelidik melakukan proses ekskavasi kapal karam 'The Bidong Shipwreck' di perairan Pulau Bidong, Kuala Nerus, Terengganu, semalam. - UTUSAN/PUQTRA HAIRRY ROSLI

KUALA NERUS: Terengganu bakal menjadi negeri pertama yang memperkenalkan segmen baharu pelancongan iaitu arkeo-pelancongan bawah air di Pulau Bidong untuk menarik kedatangan peminat selam skuba, warisan kebudayaan dan sejarah maritim dari seluruh dunia.

Pengarah Pusat Perkhidmatan Penyelidikan dan Lapangan (PPPL) Universiti Malaysia Terengganu (UMT), Prof. Madya Dr. Hasrizal Shaari berkata, pihaknya bersama Jabatan Warisan Negara (JWN) dan kerajaan negeri Terengganu sedang melakukan perancangan terperinci untuk merealisasikan hasrat tersebut.

Menurutnya, arkeo pelancongan di Pulau Bidong itu akan merangkumi komponen latihan, pemeliharaan dan pemuliharaan artifak yang ditemukan di tapak kapal karam tersebut.

Menurutnya, buat permulaan, dana sebanyak RM1.5 juta diperlukan untuk melakukan proses ekskavasi membawa keluar artifak di dasar laut milik kapal karam ‘The Bidong Shipwreck’ untuk dipamerkan dalam galeri arkeologi yang bakal dibina selepas itu.

“Proses ekskavasi kali pertama dilakukan pada tahun 2017 diikuti proses kedua pada akhir tahun lalu dan berjaya menaikkan kira-kira 10 peratus artifak atau sebanyak 366 tembikar terdiri daripada pasu besar, kotak kecil dan botol bertangkai dipercayai untuk kegunaan harian yang kebanyakan sudah pecah serta rosak akibat terlalu lama berada di dalam dasar laut.

“Dapatan kajian kami, terdapat lebih banyak artifak yang belum ditemukan dan kami bercadang mahu meneruskan fasa ketiga eskavasi pada akhir tahun ini atau selewat-lewatnya awal tahun depan,” katanya.

Beliau berkata demikian kepada pemberita selepas program melawat tapak kapal karam itu bersama Pengarah Unit Perancang Ekonomi Negeri (UPEN) Terengganu, Datuk Tun Ahmad Faisal Tun Abdul Razak di Pulau Bidong, semalam.

Tapak lokasi The Bidong Shipwreck itu ditemukan seorang nelayan pada tahun 2012 dan kajian UMT mendapati kapal yang karam pada kedalaman 18 meter tersebut  berasal dari Thailand pada abad ke 15 hingga 17 Masihi.

Mengulas lanjut, Hasrizal yang juga pensyarah kanan bidang kajian Paleosekitaran dan Geokimia di Fakulti Sains dan Sekitaran Marin UMT berkata, terdapat lebih 10 bangkai kapal ditemukan di perairan negara ini termasuk Sabah dan Sarawak.

“Antara yang terkenal ialah Turiang, Nanyang, Longquan, Nanhai Diraja, Xuande, Singtai, Wanli, Nassau, Risdam, Diana serta Desaru dan menariknya tiga daripada kapal karam yang dijumpai iaitu Longquan, Singtai dan Wanli berada di perairan Terengganu,” katanya.

-utusan online.

MIDE 2023 moves to MITEC

 

Due to scheduling changes at the World Trade Centre Kuala Lumpur (WTCKL) in Malaysia, where the Malaysia International Dive Expo (MIDE) was supposed to be held on 26-28 May, WTCKL asked MIDE to move from Hall 3 on Level 3 to the Merdeka Hall on Level 4. The request came about after one of the Malaysian political parties scheduled its annual general meeting at WTCKL. 

However, after much deliberation, the organizers of MIDE were not able to reconfigure the original floor layout for Merdeka Hall, hence they decided to move MIDE 2023 to the Malaysia International Trade & Exhibition Centre (MITEC) at Jalan Dutamas in Kuala Lumpur with immediate effect. 

The organizing team will provide MITEC venue information to all exhibitors, participants and visitors shortly. In addition, the MIDE website and social media pages will be updated with this information. See updates on FB, IG & Twitter at hashtag of MIDEEXPO. 

The organizers offer their apologies for any inconvenience caused and thank all for their understanding. More than anything, they look forward to welcoming everyone to the new venue.

Date: 26 May 2023 (Friday) - 28 May 2023 (Sunday) 

Time: 10.00am -7.00pm 

Venue: Malaysia International Trade and Exhibition Centre (MITEC) 

WE’LL SEE YOU SOON AT MITEC KL!

-ASIAEVENTS EXSIC.

Norwegian Cruise Line returns to Asia’s waters

 

Norwegian Cruise Line (NCL) will return to sailing in Asia after more than three years when the revitalised Norwegian Jewel makes her grand return to Tokyo on October 19, and Singapore on November 11.‌

Its extensive six-month Asia season will offer 16 immersive, port-rich itineraries visiting 11 countries and sailing from nine different departure ports, including Tokyo and Yokohama in Japan; Taipei (Keelung), Taiwan; Bangkok (Laem Chabang), Thailand; Bali (Benoa), Indonesia and Kuala Lumpur (Port Klang), Malaysia.‌

With cruises ranging in length from 10 to 14 days, the season will also feature NCL’s first departures from the Philippines’ Manila, and South Korea’s Seoul (Incheon), as well as six new ports-of-call such as Manila, Boracay, Palawan and Salomague in the Philippines; Bintan Island, Indonesia; and Hualien, Taiwan.

With three 11-day Asia cruises, the first departs December 11 and will sail through Singapore, Thailand, Vietnam, Malaysia and Cambodia; while another itinerary departs January 5 and cruises from Singapore to Thailand’s Bangkok, Phuket and Koh Samui via Langkawi and Penang in Malaysia.

‌The third cruise will set sail on February 29, 2024 and will visit Taiwan and Japan destinations, with an overnight stay in Kyoto (Osaka).

‌Ben Angell, NCL vice president and managing director, APAC, said: “We know our guests can’t wait to explore closer to home and as a smaller ship, Norwegian Jewel is the perfect size to explore Asia’s lesser-known ports, while offering all the features we know local cruisers love, from show-stopping musical acts and entertainment to a myriad of dining options that would delight any palette.”

-TTG Asia.

Pewartaan Taman Laut Negara di Melaka selesai hujung tahun

 

MELAKA: Proses pewartaan Taman Laut Negara melibatkan tiga pulau premium negeri ini iaitu Pulau Undan, Pulau Nangka dan Pulau Dodol kini diperingkat akhir dan dijangka dapat diisytiharkan selewat-lewatnya hujung tahun ini. 

Timbalan Menteri Pertanian dan Industri Makanan I, Datuk Seri Ahmad Hamzah berkata, ia telahpun diluluskan di peringkat kerajaan negeri dan sedang diperhalusi Kementerian Sumber Asli dan Alam Sekitar.

Beliau berkata, untuk merealisasikan hasrat itu, pihaknya telah mengeluarkan peruntukan bernilai RM1 juta merangkumi projek melabuhkan tukun tiruan konservasi di kawasan terlibat.

“Pulau Undan, Pulau Nangka dan Pulau Dodol sebenarnya kaya dengan habitat dan mempunyai satu khazanah tersendiri iaitu terumbu karang yang unik di peringkat antarabangsa.

“Jadi kita telah cadangkan untuk ia diwartakan dan kini proses pewartaan itu berada di peringkat akhir, pulau-pulau ini nanti dijaga dengan baik termasuk larangan aktiviti perikanan dalam jarak satu batu nautika,” katanya pada sidang akhbar selepas merasmikan Majlis Pelancaran Tukun Tiruan dan Mengelilingi Pulau-pulau Taman Laut Melaka di Pulau Undan di sini, hari ini.

Pada program itu, sebanyak sembilan tukun tiruan konservasi dilabuhkan di kawasan Pulau Nangka melibatkan peruntukan berjumlah RM300,000.

Untuk rekod, Pejabat Perikanan Melaka mula melabuhkan tukun di kawasan perairan Pulau Besar pada 2008, 2009, 2010 dan 2020 dengan jumlah keseluruhan sebanyak 57 unit melibatkan kos RM910,000.

Mengulas lanjut, Ahmad berkata, ketiga-tiga pulau berkenaan akan dilindungi di bawah Seksyen 41 Akta Perikanan 1985 (Akta 317).

“Melalui pewartaan ini, kelestarian kepelbagaian biodiversiti marin di kawasan perairan Melaka akan terjamin bagi mencapai obligasi negara di peringkat antarabangsa, iaitu Aichi Biodiversity Targets di bawah Convention on Biological Diversity.

“Terdapat 13 lagi pulau lain termasuk Pulau Hanyut, Pulau Lalang dan Pulau Serimbun yang dilihat berpotensi dibangunkan sebagai produk pelancongan,” jelasnya. 

-utusan online.

Upgrades planned for Mt Kinabalu, Sabah Parks sites

 

KOTA KINABALU: Sabah will see more facilities being built and improved at Mount Kinabalu in Ranau.

State Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai said the move would position the Kinabalu Eastern Plateau of Mount Kinabalu as a world-class conservation area.

He added that the federal government had also allocated RM13.8 million to develop Mt Kinabalu's Layang-Layang area.

The project, said Joniston, included the construction of an additional hostel for mountain climbers. It is expected to be ready early next year.

There will also be a Mount Kinabalu International High Altitude Training Centre at Kinabalu Park, Kundasang near Ranau.

He was replying to SAPP's nominated assemblyman Datuk Seri Yong Teck Lee who asked about the ministry's plan to improve the tourism infrastructure under Sabah Parks at the State Legislative Assembly sitting here today.

Apart from the mountain, Joniston said the Turtle Islands Park off Sandakan would also be developed as another marine conservation area.

"Sabah Parks will also develop tourism products that bring high impact and quick returns such as shipwreck diving, reef balls and others," he said.

Under the 12th Malaysia Plan, Joniston said the state government had allocated RM24 million to carry out repair and conservation work in the Sabah Parks areas to maintain the infrastructure.

Sabah Parks subsidiary Sabapak Eco Sdn Bhd is responsible for planning the development to highlight the uniqueness of the various areas.

He added that Sabah Parks had added a digitisation initiative in the Parks Strategic Planning 2025 to develop online booking and database.

"The Internet access at all park stations was also upgraded for the convenience of visitors."

-nst online.

The Official Sabah Parks Website - Home

Darvel Bay to be gazetted Marine Protected Area

 

KOTA KINABALU: The gazettement of Darvel Bay in Lahad Datu as a marine protected area (MPA) will benefit the people and the marine environment.

"It will provide a safe haven for depleted fish stocks to recover as MPAs increase food security and reduce poverty.

"By establishing MPAs, exploited fish are able to live longer, grow bigger to reach maturity and yield healthier offspring, which then increase the resilience of the fish population," said WWF-Malaysia chief executive officer Sophia Lim.

She said this during the memorandum of understanding (MoU) signing ceremony between WWF-Malaysia and Sabah Parks at Sabah International Convention Centre (SICC) here yesterday.It was witnessed by Sabah Assistant Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Joniston Bangkuai.

She said Malaysia only protected less than five per cent of the total marine area in the country and needed to heighten its conservation efforts to prevent further environmental damage.

"WWF-Malaysia will continuously advocate for the protection of 30 per cent of the country's maritime waters (approximately 16.9 million ha), for the benefit of nature, livelihoods, businesses and future generations," said Lim.

The agreement is for a five-year collaboration to carry out research and studies for the gazettement of Darvel Bay Park in Lahad Datu, which is being established in line with Sabah Parks' Strategic Plan 2025.

The strategic plan directly supports the Sabah government's plan in gazetting the sea area of 117,000 ha and 56 islands within Darvel Bay as a MPA by 2023, said Sabah Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Jafry Ariffin in his speech delivered by Joniston.

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim said the proposed Darvel Bay Park aims to cover the concept of the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN)'s category 6 Protected Area with sustainable use of natural resources to support the protection of coral reefs, mangroves, and seagrass beds.

"At the same time, Darvel Bay Park will be co-managed with key stakeholders and local community members to ensure equal rights and opportunities for sustainable development," he said.

He said the collaboration between Sabah Parks and WWF-Malaysia will bring hope for multiple stakeholders to jointly fight for habitat protection in light of the Sabah government's goal of gazetting 13 per cent of Sabah's coastal marine areas as MPA by 2023.

-nst online.

Sabah Parks' sites open to 100 visitors a day

 

KOTA KINABALU: Only visitors aged over 12 and under 70 years old are allowed to enter any of the marine and nature destinations of Sabah Parks effective today (Sept 16).

Sabah Parks director Dr Maklarin Lakim, however, said only 100 visitors were allowed a day at any of its 24 sites across the state following its reopening today.

All visitors are advised to adhere to the updated standard operating procedure (SOP) as announced by the state government on Sept 11 under the Phase 2 of the National Recovery Plan (NRP), that had been approved by the Health Ministry, National Security Council and Sabah Covid-19 disaster management committee.

"Activities such as climbing Mount Kinabalu are reopened to the public and climbers starting Sept 16, except activities at the Turtle Island Park in Sandakan which resumes Sept 20.

"Only fully vaccinated visitors and climbers are permitted to enter the parks and they must come from the same district.

"Other destinations such as Bohey Dulang Island, which is among the islands within the Tun Sakaran Marine Park in Semporna and Kimanis sub-station within the Crocker Range Park in Keningau, a reopening date will be announced later," he said.

The Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents (Matta) Sabah chairman Lawrence Chin welcomed the reopening of tourism sites.

"However, it will be even better if tourists can cross district without travel bubbles at the same time observing strict SOP."

State Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun had on Sept 10 announced the relaxation of rules for the tourism sector including hotels and homestays.

-nst online.

Pembukaan Semula Semua Pejabat Dan Stesen Taman-taman Sabah

 

-Sabah Parks.

Green light for scuba diving to resume in Sabah

 

KOTA KINABALU: It is good news for scuba diving enthusiasts, as the state government today announced the resumption of diving activities.

Sabah Covid-19 spokesperson Datuk Seri Masidi Manjun said the National Security Council (NSC) has agreed with the state's decision to lift tourism restrictions for diving by taking into consideration that such recreational activity does not require physical touch.

"Diving activity can be carried out subject to certain conditions (such as) that a boat transporting divers to dive sites must not exceed 30 per cent of the carrying capacity, including the skipper.

"This is to ensure physical distancing is practiced (among divers on the boat)," he said.

While diving is allowed, Masidi said the activity should only be done within a district and that the diving location is not under Enhanced Movement Control Order (EMCO).

He stressed that divers or dive operators are not allowed to travel from one district to another for diving, noting that inter-district travel is still restricted under the current standard operating procedures (SOP) for the Conditional Movement Control Order (CMCO).

Masidi said that the state Tourism, Culture and Environment Ministry will be issuing specific SOP for diving activity, soon.

-nst online.

Sabah's Scuba Junkie named world's Best Scuba Diving Centre 2020

 

KOTA KINABALU: A Sabah-based dive operator has clinched a top global diving award despite a severe downturn in the tourism industry due to the Covid-19 outbreak.

Scuba Junkie beat over 1,000 operators worldwide and was named the 'Best Scuba Diving Dive Centre or Resort in the World for 2020' in the prestigious Dive Magazine's annual Travel Awards.

Travel Awards winners were chosen by votes from readers across the globe.

In expressing his gratitude, Scuba Junkie founder and director Richard Owen said the company did not only aim at providing incredible underwater experiences, but also to foster a sense of responsibility towards protecting the marine environment.

"We are honoured to have won this award. It has been a difficult year for everyone, so it's heartening to have the ongoing support from our guests in this way.

"We have a strong focus on marine conservation that resonates with our guests. Conservation of the local environment, both above and below the waves, has been at the heart of Scuba Junkie, right from our inception."

He said it is imperative for the dive operator to play a role in protecting and conserving the marine environment to provide guests with unforgettable underwater experiences in Sabah and other locations where they operate.

Stressing on Scuba Junkie's continuous efforts to enhance safety and high training standards, Owen said he looks forward to welcoming visitors back for more incredible diving when it is safe to do so.

This strong focus on marine conservation is also shared by Scuba Junkie's dive centres in Indonesia.

"We are truly delighted to have won this award, it is a fitting reflection of our dedicated staff who share their love for diving and conservation with all of our guests," said Indonesia Scuba Junkie director Rohan Perkins.

Set up in 2004, Scuba Junkie began operating on Pulau Sipadan and moved to Mabul Island with the establishment of its Mabul Beach Resort in 2009.

Since then, the dive operator expanded its operation to Kota Kinabalu and Indonesia – specifically in Komodo, Sangalaki and Nusa Penida, Bali.

Meanwhile, Malaysia was also ranked third in the "Best Destination" category for diving spots in the world, a major improvement over last year's placement which was outside of the Top 10.

-nst online.

Trade urges careful consideration before setting visitor cap for Sabah marine parks

Sapi island, one of five islands that make up the Tunku Abdul Rahman Park

As Sabah Parks proposes a visitor cap for the five islands that form Tunku Abdul Rahman Parks, tourism players in the East Malaysian state agree that visitor numbers can be high during peak periods, while putting forward their own recommendations for protecting against environmental damage from tourism.

A tourism player based in Sabah shared: “Overcrowding happens only during the peak Chinese New Year period, when the state receives an influx of Chinese tourists. This is usually during the first two weeks of Chinese New Year and during the Golden Week holidays.

“There should be a study done first to determine whether there is a need to limit the carrying capacity, and if so, the mechanism in which to do it. The results of the study should also be made known to all the tourism stakeholders.”

Instead of putting a cap on visitor numbers, the spokesperson suggested that Sabah Parks should limit the types of activities that can be carried out to further promote green practices, as well as review entrance fees to create a budget for maintenance and environmental work.

Marilyn Semoring, a dive instructor with Borneo Divers and Sea Sports (Sabah), opined that the move to limit carrying capacity on the Islands will protect the marine life and corals on the island, but she too agreed that overcrowding was seasonal and not year round.

She said visitor surge occurs during the peak Korean and Chinese travel seasons to Sabah. A source at Sabah Parks acknowledged these trends.

The key destinations in the two markets are the islands and beaches in Sabah and Tunku Abdul Rahman parks, being only 20 minutes by boat ride from the city centre.

Semoring suggested tourists to all islands in Sabah be educated by tour operators on do’s and don’ts before they go snorkelling and diving.

According to a recent report in The Star, Jamili Nais, Sabah Parks director, had said: “We have yet to discuss the exact figures but a study has been done according to the space available, the facilities and the volume of clean water.

“The first step is to call up representatives from the tourism community including Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents and Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents. We will come up with a figure to bring to the Sabah Parks board and eventually to the Sabah tourism, culture and environment minister Christina Liew.”

He shared that numbers could reach up to 2,000 visitors per day, with an average of 400 to 500 visitors per island.

When contacted, Sabah Association of Tour and Travel Agents president, Lawrence Chin, declined to comment before first discussing the matter with Sabah Parks.

-TTG Asia.