Malaysia

Diveheart Malaysia is part of the US-based non-profit organization Diveheart in Chicago, which focuses on helping disabled persons become certified divers through the adaptive diving techniques specialty training of the Professional Association Diving Instructors (PADI).

RHB Banking Group’s managing director and chief executive officer, Mohd Rashid Mohamad, said the bank was the first banking group in Asia with its own team of employees who are qualified PADI Adaptive Techniques support divers.

Sabah Parks has put stricter controls on diving at Sipadan island in an effort to better protect the island’s sensitive ecosystem.

The coral reef has degraded slowly over time and the intensity or frequency of diving needs to be retained, Sabah Parks director Maklarin Lakim said in a statement to Malay Mail.

The Malaysia International Dive Expo, which took place from 27 to 29 May 2022 in Kuala Lumpur, ended on a high note, generating around RM14.98 million (US$3.39 million) in sales over the three-day event, more than the RM12 million (US$2.71 million) target anticipated, indicating steady growth in the dive industry for both businesses and the dive community. With over 11,000 visitors attending the show, of which 20 percent were international, signs of recovery were better than expected.

Purchaser Lucky Draw

At every MIDE, there are prize giveaways, and this year is no different. If you purchase more than RM300 at the show, you can enter the Purchaser Lucky Draw. Here is a quick glimpse of the top four fabulous prizes:

It will be the 16th year in running for MIDE, billed as the “hottest and coolest dive show in Malaysia,” bringing together dive enthusiasts to explore the underwater world and participate in the business of diving as well. Aiming to be a one-stop hub for all things diving, including dive equipment, courses, travel, and underwater conservation, as well as boating and water sports, MIDE promises to showcase all kinds of products and services over the three-day event.

Staying true to its theme, “Let’s Meet & Dive Locally,” the show aimed to kickstart the country’s dive industry and welcomed over 7,000 visitors during the three-day event with over 400 exhibitors, resulting in over RM5 (US$1.2) million in sales.

The bold decision to hold the show drew the attention, endorsement and partnership of several government agencies and leaders, including Prime Minister Ismail Sabri Yaakob, who addressed the event and said that he saw the dive community playing an important role in the recovery of tourism in Malaysia.

Over the past 15 years, the show has welcomed around 180,000 visitors, with an average of 10,000 visitors each year, of which 90% were divers. Attending industry professionals last year included dive operators, manufacturers, distributors, entrepreneurs and tourism boards, many of whom made use of a new B2B networking platform MIDE created just for them.

The objective of the program is to build confidence, independence and self-esteem in the lives of children, adults and veterans with disabilities through the sport of scuba diving, scuba therapy and related activities.