The wreckages of three Japanese naval vessels which sank in the South China Sea off Sarawak during World War Two, can be aggressively promoted worldwide as attractive diving spots among enthusiasts.

State Tourism Minister Abang Johari Openg said the Sarawak government was working closely with the Japanese Embassy in Kuala Lumpur, as well as the defence ministry to obtain more details on the shipwrecks.

“I’m working with the Japanese Embassy, together with some (international) divers. These divers have been to Sipadan (an island in Sabah) and other parts of the world. They said this (site of the shipwrecks) is a good spot,” he said.

Speaking at a press conference in Kuching today, he said the site of the Katori Maru, Hiyoshi Maru and Sagiri shipwrecks was less than an hour’s boat ride from the shore of the Santubong National Park.

“I’m working with the authorities, particularly (Sarawak) Rivers Board and (Malaysian) Maritime (Enforcement Agency) to make sure that we cordon off that area,” said Abang Johari, adding that those were historical ships.

- Bernama