The Ministry of Toursim, Arts and Culture Malaysia (MOTAC) Sabah State Office on June 22 conducted a 5 day "Macro Dive Site Mapping Voluntourism Programme" aimed to set up the first dedicated macro dive site for Malaysia in conjunction with Visit Malaysia 2020.
Ten volunteers from the Semporna Tourism Association and Semporna Professional Divers Association joined the program held in the straits of Bum-Bum Island.
14 dive sites were explored and 8 sites were mapped as potential for macro diving.
Muck diving is referred as a diving activity conducted in dirty or mucky environment.
Other than muddy sediment, the dive site may consist dead corals, house or fish farm wrecks and other man made items that are trapped underwater.
Within these underestimated mucky waters lies a high density of minuscules marine life.
The tiny and strange underwater creatures attracks underwater photographers and videographers using "macro" lens to magnify the subject hence Macro Diving got its name from.
According to MOTAC director for Sabah Ag Ahmad Zaki Abu Bakar, the straits along Bum-Bum Island is rich with macro marine life.
"We have recorded quite a number of unique and endemic species, such as skeleton shrimps, hairy shrimps, tiger shrimps, decorator crabs, orangutan crabs and also a handful species of small cuttlefishes like the flambouyant, popcorn, bobtail and papuan and pygmy cuttlefish.
"There is also various types of nudibranch (seaslugs) such as melibe and Thecacera Pacifica or famously known as Pickachu".
This means that underwater photographers can go as far as super macro depending on their equipment.
One of the participants, Lai Wei Zhong said as a local dive operator, he hopes that this dedicated Macro Dive Site can help attract many enthusiast especialy underwater macro photographers from all over the world.
"As a tourist, they only do few dives in Semporna and Bum-Bum Island is almost a guarantee that they can take interesting macro photos of small creatures since it is easy to spot them, especially at night."
Dendy Ali Omar, a local instructor hope that the establishment of this new product can increase the income of local dive masters and instructors when hired as a "macro spotters" which needs skills and training to develope.
"Just like specialised guides, we are trained to spot even the most smallest underwater creature as small as 2mm in the night.
"I also hope that the ministry can conduct a special course to enhance the knowledge of local dive masters and instructor to become macro spotters."
Ahmad Zaki also said that having a dedicated macro dive site can remap Pulau Bum-Bum as a must-dive spot for divers from all over the world, complementing other established dive sites in Semporna namely Sipadan-Mabul-Kapalai and potentially could be one of the best macro dive site in the world.
Astro Awani
Mon Jun 24 2019
We have recorded quite a number of unique and endemic species and also a handful species of small cuttlefishes, says Ag Ahmad Zaki. Pix courtesy of MOTAC Sabah
Iran's supreme leader says Hamas leader's death will not halt 'Axis of Resistance'
The "Axis of Resistance", built up with years of Iranian support, includes Hamas, the Lebanese Hezbollah group, the Houthi movement in Yemen, and various Shi'ite groups in Iraq and Syria.
Putin says Russia willing to seek compromises between Iran and Israel
Russia is ready to help seek compromises between arch-foes Israel and Iran, President Vladimir Putin said on Friday, saying these would be difficult but possible.
What proposals will Russia push at the BRICS summit?
The proposal is also to establish a BRICS reinsurance company to allow uninterrupted shipment of goods and key commodities between members.
Indonesia's free meals plan in the spotlight as Prabowo readies for office
Prabowo calls the programme one of the main drivers of economic growth, eventually set to add an estimated 2.5 million jobs.
Astro AWANI's revamped English news website, AWANI International, launches on Oct 21
Astro AWANI's revamped English platform delivers in-depth global news and expert analysis to keep you informed on key developments.
Israeli strikes kill 33 people in Jabalia refugee camp in Gaza, medics say
Residents of Jabalia said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp after pushing through suburbs and residential districts.
Liam Payne's ex-partner calls for media restraint after 'painful' death
Cheryl Tweedy used her statement to urge the media to remember they had a seven-year-old son, Bear, who could read the reports.
Analysts: Indonesia's strong MoF leadership team to boost investor confidence
Sri Mulyani Indrawati as head of Indonesia's Ministry of Finance is expected to instil confidence among investors.
Biden offers both a carrot and a stick to Israel as his term nears an end
Israel has frequently resisted US advice and has caused political difficulties for the Biden administration.
Putin says BRICS will generate most of global economic growth
Russian President Vladimir Putin will host a summit of the group in the city of Kazan on Oct. 22-24.
ISIS Malaysia's perspective of Budget 2025
An excellent rakyat-centric budget under the overarching principle of a caring and humane economy.
Budget 2025: Record increase in STR, SARA aid initiatives
The government will provide a significant boost to the Sumbangan Tunai Rahmah (STR) and Sumbangan Asas Rahmah (SARA) initiatives next year.
Budget 2025: EPF contributions to be made mandatory for foreign workers – PM Anwar
The government plans to make it compulsory for all non-citizen workers to contribute to the Employees Provident Fund (EPF).
What policies to expect from Indonesia's new President Prabowo
Prabowo will be open to foreign investment, his aide has said, such as by offering investors management of airports and sea ports.
Budget 2025: Govt allocates RM470 mil to empower women's participation in PMKS
The Women's Leadership Apprenticeship Program will be intensified as an effort to produce more female corporate personalities.
Israel sends more troops into north Gaza, deepens raid
Residents of Jabalia in northern Gaza said Israeli tanks had reached the heart of the camp, using heavy air and ground fire.
Indonesia ramps up security ahead of Prabowo's inauguration
Prabowo Subianto will be sworn in as Indonesia's president on Sunday with Vice President-elect, Gibran Rakabuming Raka, also taking office.
Immediate allocation of RM150 mil for local authorities, DID to tackle flash floods
Datuk Seri Anwar Ibrahim said this allocation is intended to address the recent flash floods that hit the capital and several major towns.
Budget 2025: Sabah, Sarawak to continue receiving among highest allocations - PM
Sabah and Sarawak continues to be prioritised under Budget 2025, with allocations of RM6.7 billion and RM5.9 billion respectively.
NFOF will be operational in November 2024 with funding of RM1 bil
PM Anwar Ibrahim said NFOF will support venture capital fund managers to invest in startup companies with RM300 million set aside for 2025.