MERSING, 12 August 2022 – Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) conducted an awareness talk on safety in boat operation to 21 local stakeholders in Mersing, Johor, last Monday, 8 August 2022.

“The awareness talk was intended to increase the local stakeholders’ awareness of safety issues when they are conducting boating activities”, said Atteleth Don, Sustainable Tourism Programme Manager at Reef Check Malaysia.

“Especially when they are bringing visitors for various water activities around the Mersing islands.”, Don added.

Tourism in the Mersing islands mainly revolves around water activities such as snorkelling, island hopping and scuba diving. Safety in operation and boat handling plays a crucial role in avoiding boating incidents.

The awareness talk was delivered by an expert with 30 years of experience in ship handling and operation. The expert shared some practical guidelines for implementing safety measures in boat operation throughout the talk.

Representatives from local boat operators and government agencies were among the 21 attendees.

The awareness talk is part of a long-term RCM’s programme supported by MISC Group through its Heart of the Ocean marine biodiversity conservation programme. The programme aims to improve ocean health by supporting coral reef conservation, increasing reef resilience, and reducing plastic litter in our oceans.

For more information on what Reef Check Malaysia does, visit their website here or contact them at hello@reefcheck.org.my.