LABUAN, 4 Oktober 2025 – YBhg. Datuk Haji Dickson bin Dollah, Ketua Pengarah Laut, Jabatan Laut Malaysia (JLM) telah merasmikan Sambutan World Marine Aids to Navigation (WATON) Day Peringkat JLM Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan. Turut hadir mengiringi beliau ialah Encik Alimuddin bin Amirudin, Pengarah Laut Wilayah, JLM Wilayah Persekutuan Labuan.
Pada majlis ini, YBhg. Datuk turut menyampaikan Certificate of Competency (CoC) Mate Domestic Less Than 500GT (Open) kepada lima (5) orang pemandu bot persendirian dan pemandu bot teksi yang berjaya menamatkan kursus. Pelbagai aktiviti menarik turut memeriahkan sambutan kali ini antaranya; Pulau Papan Kayak Race, Pertandingan pétanque pantai, Pertandingan mewarna kanak-kanak, Pertandingan video kreatif, Pertandingan reka cipta bahan kitar semula.
Selain itu, demonstrasi menyelamat di air oleh Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) Labuan turut mencuri perhatian para pengunjung dengan aksi pantas dan kemahiran tinggi pasukan penyelamat. Orang ramai juga berpeluang mengunjungi reruai pameran pelbagai jabatan dan agensi kerajaan yang turut serta memeriahkan sambutan ini, sekali gus memberikan pendedahan kepada masyarakat mengenai peranan agensi-agensi Kerajaan.
Sambutan WATON Day mula diraikan di peringkat kebangsaan sejak tahun 2019, selaras dengan pengisytiharan oleh International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). Penganjuran ini bertujuan meningkatkan kesedaran masyarakat tentang kepentingan dan fungsi alat bantuan pelayarandalam memastikan keselamatan navigasi maritim.
Turut hadir memeriahkan majlis ialah Pengarah-Pengarah Bahagian Ibu Pejabat Laut, Pengarah-Pengarah Laut Wilayah, serta pegawai-pegawai Jabatan Laut Malaysia dari seluruh negara.
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OPENING CEREMONY OF THE WORLD MARINE AIDS TO NAVIGATION (WATON) DAY – MALAYSIA MARINE DEPARTMENT FEDERAL TERRITORY OF LABUAN REGION
LABUAN, 4 October 2025 – YBhg. Datuk Haji Dickson bin Dollah, Director General of Marine, Malaysia Marine Department (MMD), officiated the World Marine Aids to Navigation (WATON) Day Celebration for the Labuan Federal Territory Region. Accompanying him was Mr. Alimuddin bin Amirudin, Regional Marine Director, MMD Federal Territory of Labuan.
During the ceremony, YBhg. Datuk Haji Dickson presented the Certificate of Competency (CoC) Mate Domestic Less Than 500GT (Open) to five (5) private boat helmsman and water taxi helmsman who successfully completed the course. The celebration was enlivened with a variety of exciting activities, including the Pulau Papan Kayak Race, Beach Pétanque Competition, Children’s Colouring Contest, Creative Video Competition, and Recycling Innovation Challenge.
In addition, a water rescue demonstration by the Jabatan Bomba dan Penyelamat Malaysia (JBPM) Labuan captivated the audience with the team’s swift response and impressive rescue skills. Visitors also had the opportunity to explore exhibition booths by various government departments and agencies, offering insights into the roles and responsibilities of different organisations in the maritime and public sectors.
The WATON Day celebration has been observed nationally since 2019, in line with the declaration by the International Association of Marine Aids to Navigation and Lighthouse Authorities (IALA). The event aims to raise public awareness on the importance and function of marine aids to navigation in ensuring the safety of maritime navigation.
Also present were Division Directors from the Marine Headquarters, Regional Marine Directors, and officers from the MMD across the country.
