Scuba Buddy

The script may look like a Hollywood blockbuster movie. The only difference is Scuba Buddy has a Malaysian touch and flavour, depicting the real-life voyage of Qawiem Noor Azli, his wife Fakhriyah Esa, their best friends Muhamad Irfan Md Noor and Hafeez Bazli.

Qawiem, Fakhriyah, and Irfan are all alumni of UniKL Malaysian Institute of Marine Engineering Technology (UniKL MIMET) in Lumut, Perak. Hafeez, on the other hand, studied automotive at IKM. Despite their different academic paths, the group remained inseparable, navigating the rumbles, crumbles, and tumbles of life after graduation. Whether in marine engineering or the automotive field, each faced their own challenges until the clouds resembling a pack of wild wolves that loomed over their shoulders dispersed, and the rising sun’s warm light lifted their spirits and strengthened their bond.

Qawiem and Fakhriyah pursued Diploma programmes in Marine Engineering and Ship Design respectively while Irfan completed his Bachelor’s degree in Naval Architecture and Ship Building. The trio also learned the intricacies of fibreglass technology from Mohd Saidi Mohd Saad, affectionately known as Pak Teh, who is a senior technician in UniKL MIMET.

The blissful love story of Qawiem and Fakhriyah blossomed during their three-year study days at UniKL MIMET. The couple eventually tied the knot after graduation.

Today, Qawiem and Fakhriyah, together with Irfan, are proud owners and operators of Scuba Buddy Dive Centre in the island of Mabul, located off the south-eastern coast of Sabah and a popular destination for divers. Scuba Buddy also takes clients for snorkelling and diving activities around the islands of Sipadan and Kapalai from Mabul.

“During semester breaks I helped my father in designing and making our home furniture. It was my dad’s hobby. He was a lecturer and trainer in heavy machineries at a technical college in Brunei,” quipped Qawiem. “Scuba Diving was also my dad’s passion and both of us often indulge in diving activities on weekends. I guess my dad has been my main influence and inspiration. He is also a qualified scuba diving instructor.”

“After graduation I worked at UMW for a brief period. With the experience gained under the tutelage of my dad, knowledge from UniKL MIMET and working experience, it helped me set up Scuba Buddy. My wife, Irfan and Hafeez have also been my great supporters,” said Qawiem.

Sabah was their destination and Mabul became the focal point.

Assuming a stoic demeanour throughout the interview, Qawiem instantly portrayed a façade of disbelief while reminiscing his early days in Mabul.

“It was initially tough at Mabul. I worked as a scuba diving instructor for a hotel, taking guests out into the sea for underwater adventures. Our source of income depended on the number of guests the hotel had and the weather. Diving activities are barred if weather is bad,” he added.

“We stayed in a wooden hut that was used for storing fishing nets,” said Qawiem, a qualified scuba diving instructor who is a member of the Professional Association Diving Instructors (PADI).

“Our fortunes, however, changed after we met an investor by the name of Siti Bandorah Mahalil who saw our passion, determination and potential. She helped us in our business and formalised marketing strategies. It was only after sometime later that we decided to set up Scuba Buddy with the limited resources we had,” he added.

While it took some months to see their business gaining momentum, the global coronavirus pandemic outbreak that came with lockdowns and travel restrictions threw a wrench into their happiness and plans.

The truth told – Covid-19 has rained metaphorical darkness on all lands, leaving creatures of the humankind into their lairs.

“Covid-19 hit every business badly globally. We were not spared either, perhaps, tougher than anything we had experienced before this. Everything came to a standstill. It was like strolling into the sea aimlessly. No direction,” he stressed.

“I distributed frozen beef daily in Kuala Lumpur and Irfan sold mangoes on the streets in Semporna during the height of the pandemic. He buys mangoes from Boheydulang Island.” he said, adding that life and business has returned to normal, albeit, under a new norm within the Recovery Movement Control Order (RMCO) phase.

Scuba diving activities, however, has picked up once again in Mabul island with local tourists frolicking in the sea like mermaids.

Social distancing, the use of face masks and washing hands with soap or hand sanitizers are new habits that Scuba Buddy Dive Centre insists their clients practise.

“Mabul island is a perfect place to escape from the usual day-to-day worries,” said Qawiem as he smiled wryly. “The packages are affordable.”