Sabah Dive Club Condemns Diver Misconduct in Viral Video

12 March 2025

KOTA KINABALU: The Sabah Dive Squad Club, also known as Deus Diving Club, has strongly condemned the actions captured in a viral video showing divers restraining a sea turtle and a whale shark.

In a statement today, the club expressed deep concern over the incident, stating that if it is confirmed to have occurred in Sabah’s waters, particularly near Pulau Manukan, it would constitute a serious violation of marine conservation laws and ethical diving standards.

“As a responsible diving community, we firmly uphold the principles of marine protection,” said Sim Fui, President of the Sabah Dive Squad Club.

“Harassing, touching, or restraining marine animals—especially protected species such as sea turtles and whale sharks—is both unacceptable and harmful to their well-being,” he stated.

Sim stressed that such behaviour causes unnecessary stress to marine life, disrupts their natural behaviour, and damages the delicate ecosystem that makes Sabah’s waters a globally renowned diving destination.

The club has called for a full investigation into the matter, urging authorities to identify those involved and take appropriate enforcement action.

It also appealed to divers, dive operators, and visitors to adhere to responsible diving practices and report any violations that threaten marine biodiversity.

Sim added that the club encourages anyone with additional information about the incident to step forward and assist in ensuring accountability.

“Sabah’s underwater world is a privilege to experience, not a playground for reckless behaviour,” he emphasised.

The Sabah Dive Squad Club reaffirmed its commitment to promoting ethical diving and pledged to collaborate with local authorities, conservation groups, and the wider diving community to safeguard Sabah’s marine environment.