DiveAbility Breaks Barriers: OKU Sentral and Eco District Association Launch Inclusive Scuba Diving at Pulau Tenggol

DUNGUN, TERENGGANU – Persatuan OKU Sentral, in collaboration with Eco District Association, successfully launched DiveAbility, a pioneering scuba diving program at Tenggol Coral Beach Resort, Pulau Tenggol.

This inclusive initiative aims to empower persons with disabilities (PWDs) through adventurous marine experiences.

DiveAbility was championed by former Senator, Sen (R) Datuk (Dr.) Ras Adiba Radzi, alongside five outstanding OKU participants: Malaysia’s para-athletes Izhar Idham and Roozaimi Johar, Aslan Baharin – a PWD Foodpanda delivery rider, Puan Jamariah from Yayasan Coral Malaysia, and Mr. Sonny, Malaysia’s first PWD-certified scuba diving instructor.

The event was supported by key partners, including Pasukan Penyelamat Di Air BOMBA (PPDA), Tenggol Coral Beach Resort, Como Conquest, and iLab.

The program featured immersive scuba diving sessions for OKU participants, led by certified instructors and supported by a team of trained volunteers.

Conservation activities, including ghost net removal, coral reef protection, and beach clean-ups, were also conducted as part of the initiative.

In addition, the program served to promote Terengganu as a friendly and inclusive destination for eco-tourism, while raising public awareness about the capabilities of the OKU community in participating in extreme yet purposeful environmental efforts.

By championing inclusivity in adventure tourism, DiveAbility demonstrates how accessibility can unlock the potential of the silver economy, paving the way for more sustainable and socially responsible growth in Malaysia’s tourism industry.

The program is expected to leave a lasting impact in strengthening social inclusion and redefining the role of OKU in nature conservation and environmental stewardship.