Kuala lumpur: Staff and students of Politeknik Jeli Kelantan (PJK) marked the 69th National Day in a unique way by displaying the Jalur Gemilang 18 metres below sea level off Pulau Tenggol, Terengganu. PJK Aquaculture lecturer Mohd Adam Nashriq Bani Yamin said displaying the Jalur Gemilang on the seabed was not merely a symbolic National Day gesture, but also reflected the technical skills instilled in students pursuing aquaculture studies.
According to BERNAMA News Agency, the programme also exposed students to water safety, preparing them to deal with potential accidents or emergencies while carrying out duties in waters after graduation. "The Jalur Gemilang display on the seabed was part of a scuba diving training and certification programme held from Aug 27 to 30 at Dive Buddy Dungun, involving the PJK Aquaculture Technology Unit, Department of Agrotechnology and Bio-Industry. Among the components of the Water Safety course was scuba diving, with interested students given the opportunity to obtain PADI (Professional Association of Diving Instructors) Open Water Diver certification as an added skill," he told Bernama today.
Mohd Adam Nashriq noted that the skills acquired would give students an advantage when pursuing careers in marine aquaculture and marine biotechnology, which may require them to work in waters or on the seabed after graduation. Two lecturers and two fifth-semester students from the Diploma in Aquaculture Technology programme took part in the scuba diving training and certification programme.
"The training involved PADI scuba diving certification through the PADI Divemaster and PADI Open Water Diver courses conducted by Dive Buddy Malaysia instructor Dr Nabila Talib. Besides the Jalur Gemilang, the PJK flag was also flown at the same depth, symbolising the institution's patriotic spirit while showcasing practical skills in marine aquaculture," he said.
He emphasized that such exposure could help produce graduates equipped not only with academic knowledge but also practical skills and additional competencies relevant to industry needs. "The diving skills acquired can also be applied to tasks related to marine research, marine farming management, and marine ecosystem conservation," he added.