Malaysia

Malaysia's maritime authorities have detained a Chinese-flagged cargo ship amid reports this month that scavengers have targeted two British World War Two wrecks off the coast of Malaysia - the HMS Prince of Wales and HMS Repulse - which were sunk by Japanese torpedoes in 1941.

An inspection of the ship led to the discovery of old steel and cannon shells believed to have been scavenged from the HMS Prince of Wales. The shells could be linked to a separate seizure by police at a Johor jetty last week of multiple unexploded World War Two-era artillery.

The expo, now in its 17^th consecutive year, is organized by AsiaEvents Exsic Sdn Bhd. In its new venue at MITEC, the show will occupy Hall 6 on Level 2. According to the organizers of MIDE, the event will be bigger than previous years, and the space will comfortably feature the latest products and services of local and international exhibitors from 14 countries.

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.

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.