KOTA KINABALU: Diver Wilson Kwan traveled all the way from Miri to take part in a coral-planting programme held off Kota Kinabalu waters yesterday.
The 28-year-old accountant-turned-diving instructor spent about RM2,000 on return flights from Miri, Sarawak, and a two-night accommodation just to take part in this special activity.
"In Miri, there are scuba diving places, but not that I know of coral-planting activities (being organised there).
"I joined the first coral planting under the Ocean Hero programme last year and found it very interesting.
"This time, when I was informed that there is a second one, I did not hesitate to come again, even though I had to spend more money," he said, adding that conservation aligns with his teachings to his students on the importance of looking after corals.
The one-day event yesterday, dubbed "Ocean Hero 2.0," was jointly organised by several organisations, including Lions Club of KK Vintage, Sabah Parks, and Borneo Divers, among others.
Despite the choppy seas, 13 divers signed up for the task of tying coral fragments into 10 coral frames off Sulug Island.
The organisers used partial funds raised in a bazaar last year to pay RM10,000 for the 10 frames from Sabah Parks' coral adoption programme.
To date, there are 31 coral frames adopted by the public at the areas surrounding theTunku Abdul Rahman Park area since July 25, 2022.
One of the organising chairpersons, Lim Wuang Ching, said the personal experience of planting corals gives strong messages to divers.
"Now you know how hard it was to plant corals underwater. This will remind you to be more mindful not to damage the corals when you go diving next time.
"When you (accidentally) break them, do say 'sorry' as you know it takes decades for corals to regrow to a big size."
Apart from coral planting, there were also 15 volunteers and two mermaids assisting in the collection of 15 bags of marine debris collected from the shore and underwater.