Kota Kinabalu: Some 100 corals have been successfully transplanted to a dedicated coral nursery at Selakan Island in Semporna.
The initiative, focusing on 100 percent organic coral propagation, was carried out by the Malaysia Medical Association (MMA) Sabah Branch under their impactful “We Dive With Purpose” corporate social responsibility programme.
The programme involved 18 participants, comprising 10 divers, five Luma Selakan crew members, and three One Ocean Empire crew members, under perfect weather conditions.
The Healing Chamber Association sponsored RM2,000 for the event, while Sense Resident Semporna hosted an appreciation dinner.
This was the second scuba diving event organised by the MMA Sabah Branch, and it exceeded expectations.
The event organiser, One Ocean Empire, said: “We were pleasantly surprised by how quickly everyone grasped the essentials during the 10-minute briefing.”
The MMA aimed to inspire more individuals to engage in purposeful diving, contributing to the conservation of our delicate underwater ecosystems.
By leading such initiatives, the MMA hopes to set an example for other associations, especially within Sabah, to follow.
MMA Sabah Vice Chairman, Lt Col (Dr) Eugene Tan Choon Li, stated: “This event’s success is a testament to our collective effort and shared passion for marine conservation and scuba diving.”
“We hope to see even greater participation in our 2025 event, continuing our mission to protect and preserve our ocean’s beauty. Of course, we want to propagate more corals, not just organize a dive trip.”
Through this event, the MMA Sabah Branch aims to foster a deeper connection to the oceans, promote sustainable practices, and encourage the broader community to contribute to conservation efforts in Sabah waters.