KUCHING: The Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency (MMEA) and the police are conducting a thorough investigation into the incident of a female scuba diver who was found dead after she went missing in the waters off Tanjung Po here, last Thursday.
MMEA Deputy Director of Operations, Maritime Captain Yousry Yaali said the investigation was to determine the cause of the incident adding that they did not rule out the possibility that it was caused by negligence.
“(Preliminary investigations found) The victim was believed to have dived solo or alone without a dive buddy,” he said in a statement here today.
The case is being investigated under Section 280 of the Penal Code, Section 474 (1) of the Merchant Shipping Ordinance 1952 for operating a boat without a valid licence, in addition to Boat Rules 1953.
On Thursday, fishermen found Chong Su Sian’s body about 16.4 nautical miles off Tanjung Po here.
The 31-year-old diver had been missing since Saturday while diving near Pulau Satang Besar.
Meanwhile, Yousry urged those wishing to conduct diving activities to ensure their own safety by adhering to the set procedures.
“The boat used must be eligible to carry out the prescribed diving activities as licensed. Maritime Malaysia also hopes that all participants who carry out diving activities would choose an accredited and reputable dive centre,” he said adding they should not dive without the supervision of licensed and experienced dive guides at designated dive spots. — Bernama
