Reef Check Malaysia (RCM) said the deployment of the fishing boat was the first of many in a long-term programme.

“The main purpose of this deployment is to create a site to attract divers. Renggis Island is a very popular dive site and is visited by divers with varying levels of qualification.

“We hope this new wreck will provide an alternative underwater attraction, reducing the pressure on natural reefs,” RCM programme manager Alvin Chelliah said in a statement.

The programme was carried out in collaboration with several partners, including The Entrepreneurs’ Organisation of Malaysia (EO Malaysia), Department of Marine Parks Malaysia (DMPM), Tioman Dive Operators Association and the Tioman Marine Conservation Group (TMCG).

Mark Chua, president of EO Malaysia which funded the project, said the programme also had a second, long-term objective.

“Wrecks can act as fish aggregating devices (FADs), attracting large numbers of fish.

“We hope that by deploying further wrecks on the boundary of the Marine Park, we can support the livelihoods of local fishermen on the island which in turn will continue to support local businesses like restaurants on the island.

“This helps provide a means to continue traditional fishing practices and it further creates an opportunity for recreational fishing services,” he said.

The wrecks deployed at Renggis Island some 20 years ago quickly became popular attractions as well as habitats for fish and, occasionally, large rays. However, these wrecks have since deteriorated and are no longer visited by divers.

RCM said the new project had been implemented to replace the old wrecks.

Over the next few years, further deployments will take place with the sites selected based on their suitability, the statement added.