ALOR STAR: A 20-year-old Kolej Poly-Tech Mara (KPTM) Alor Star student has been recognised by the Malaysian Book of Records as the first person in the country to write an essay while being submerged underwater.
Ahmad Fudhail Ahmad Kenedi achieved the feat by composing a Malay language essay of 350 words entitled 'Kepentingan Pembangunan Personaliti kepada Graduan' within an hour and 34 minutes in a five metre deep diving pool at the State Aquatics Centre here today.
According to Ahmad Fudhail, a Diploma in Office Management student, his feat was aimed at fostering innovation in the field of diving, while exposing the youth about the activity.
"At first, I intended to set this record at sea, but due to safety concerns and the current unpredictable weather conditions, we decided to shift the plan to a pool.
"Alhamdulillah, I successfully completed it in one hour and 34 minutes. The essay I wrote consisted of approximately 350 words," he told reporters after receiving his certificate from MBOR officials.
Ahmad Fudhail shared that he did not encounter any problems in the initial 20 minutes, but after being underwater for 35 minutes, the cold started to affect his concentration and mental state while writing.
"I was struggling hard at that time, and I was writing the third paragraph, if I'm not mistaken. It was also quite tricky to write underwater," he added.
Following the achievement, Ahmad Fudhail said he now set sights at achieving even greater records, possibly at the international level in the future.
"In the future, our team may plan to attempt a world record. So far, we are contemplating a three-day consecutive underwater diving activity with alternating specific tasks.
"The details of these activities have yet to be determined, but we will consider all plans in due course," he added.
Commenting further, Ahmad Fudhail extended his gratitude to all those involved, including KPTM lecturers, scuba diving centres, and trainers, for supporting him in accomplishing the record.
"I also hope that the recognition from MBOR would serve as an inspiration to other young individuals, especially divers to pursue their passion to the maximum," he added.
Meanwhile KPTM Alor Star director Mudzir Mohamad congratulated Ahmad Fudhail for his record-breaking achievement.
He described Ahmad Fudhail's success as evidence that one's determination is paramount in achieving success in any field they choose to pursue.
"We at KPTM Alor Star continuously support our students in challenging themselves and showcasing their abilities to achieve success," he added.