Dive Against Debris: A Mission to Save Our Oceans

The notion of collecting underwater debris might seem like a fool’s errand to some. In modern times, it can be likened to the futile efforts of Pak Pandir, the foolish character from Malay folklore, or the impossible tasks from the legend of Puteri Gunung Ledang. However, a group of 30 dedicated volunteer divers is set to challenge this perception. They will be diving off Pulau Perhentian, Besut, Terengganu, on June 22 with a grand mission: to raise awareness about the importance of preserving our environment, both on land and in the sea.

This effort is part of the international Dive Against Debris (DAD) program, organized by Yayasan Salam Malaysia (SALAM) and the Black Eyes Scuba Team (BEST), in collaboration with the Besut District and Land Office. The initiative aims to demonstrate that their mission is neither crazy nor pointless. Instead, it’s a crucial endeavor to highlight the severe issue of ocean pollution.

Geologist Professor Azhar Hussein, 71, who will be diving, emphasizes that the focus should not be on the quantity of debris collected. More important is the public’s awareness of ocean pollution and the role each individual can play in ensuring the cleanliness of our seas. Professor Azhar, a former lecturer at Universiti Malaya and now a diving instructor, points out that the DAD program is vital for data collection. This data helps identify the types of debris and trace their origins.

“In areas near villages or fishing jetties, we might find a lot of ghost nets caught on coral reefs, as well as discarded fish boxes and fishing equipment. In tourist areas, various types of bottles, plastics, and drink cans are likely to be found. Near cities, we may encounter all sorts of waste,” he explains. Without data, we cannot fully understand what is happening on the ocean floor.

The DAD program serves as a wake-up call to the public, urging them not to dispose of trash carelessly, whether in rivers or the sea. “It’s impossible to clean all the debris from our vast oceans, but we can educate people not to throw trash into the water,” says Professor Azhar.

While the divers tackle the underwater debris, around 100 volunteers from Iraq, Jordan, Pakistan, Nigeria, and China will be cleaning up Long Beach on the island. In the afternoon, they will visit Sekolah Kebangsaan (SK) Pulau Perhentian, Kampung Nelayan, to engage with students and give talks on marine conservation.

Nur Saifullah bin Noor Azahar, 29, a member of the Kuala Lumpur City Hall (DBKL) Special Rescue Squad, sees this program as closely related to his work. With a diving license, he is often called upon in water-related disasters such as floods and drownings, not just in Kuala Lumpur but across the country during major calamities.

“This DAD program challenges my abilities. Although it’s about dealing with debris rather than human lives, it’s a valuable experience for my career,” says Nur Saifullah, who frequently practices diving in Titiwangsa Lake.

Ramley bin Atan, 34, is participating for the first time and is eager to contribute to this volunteer effort. He views it as his sacrifice during the festive season of Hari Raya Korban, aiming to raise public awareness about environmental sustainability. He highlights the importance of keeping Pulau Perhentian clean as a major diving destination visited by tourists worldwide.

Mohd Farhan Faidy bin Usri, 31, believes that taking part in this dive is everyone’s responsibility. “We cannot expect others to do this job while they, in turn, expect someone else to do it,” he says. As someone who regularly shares environmental content on social media, he finds the clean underwater environment mentally soothing and stress-relieving. This is his second time joining the DAD initiative.

Meor Syarifuddin Meor Syazali, 25, will serve as both a diver and a drone pilot during the mission. After capturing drone footage from the boat, he will dive to collect debris and then return to his drone duties on the surface.

Muhammad Yusri bin Ahmad Jalaluddin, 32, is also participating in his first DAD program in open water, diving to a depth of 30 meters. He views this task as his contribution and support for environmental sustainability.

In line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (UNSDG), the collected debris will be sorted, weighed, and recorded. The data will be sent to the UN through the Padi Aware Foundation, which oversees DAD activities, and will also be used by the Marine Parks and Fisheries Department.

This initiative underscores the critical role we all play in preserving our oceans for future generations. By raising awareness and collecting crucial data, these volunteers are making a significant impact, proving that their efforts are far from futile.