The underwater world may seem an alien environment for many, but the former minister of international trade and industry proves that where there is a will, there is indeed a way.

In a Facebook posting on Feb 28, Rafidah shared her joy in finally realising a dream that she always thought was beyond her: “To scuba dive and to see the underwater world that has a life of its own… to see for myself the beauty and marvels of marine life under the sea.”

“It was simply fantastic!” she said, detailing her experience at Koh Adang, Koh Lipe, Koh Rok Nok and the Similan Islands in the Andaman Sea.

Rafidah said she had embarked on her first open water dive on Feb 7, going down to 15 feet for 30 minutes.

After that, she said, she had seen corals, fish and even garden eels at a depth of 72 feet.

“But my greatest joy diving was going down to 90 feet at Koh Bon… hoping to see the Manta Rays… but they did not turn up!

“What wonderful sights to see in the undersea world… the creations of the Almighty.”

She thanked her diving instructor for being “very patient and meticulous”, adding that she felt fortunate to have had the opportunity to see a small part of the ocean world.

“Where there is the will… Life can begin at 73,” she said sagely.