She escaped death in Malaysia’s seas. Now she’s a warrior for the world’s oceans

With every dive, acclaimed Malaysian underwater photographer Ipah Uid Lynn aims to turn her work into a rallying cry for ocean health

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A sample of Ipah Uid Lynn’s underwater photography taken off Redang Island, Malaysia. Photo: Ipah Uid Lynn

Published: 4:00pm, 10 Nov 2024Updated: 11:59am, 11 Nov 2024

When a jet ski crash left Nurul Azlifah Mohd Ismail fighting for her life in 2000, her relationship with the sea was shattered.

“For years, I couldn’t go near the water without feeling afraid,” she told This Week in Asia, recounting her injuries: broken ribs, a torn liver, and a punctured stomach, leading to a gruelling recovery that saw her spend months in intensive care.

Nearly a decade later, determined to confront her fears, the Kuala Lumpur-based mother embraced a daunting challenge. With her husband’s encouragement, she enrolled in a scuba diving course and began exploring photography to capture the underwater marvels surrounding Malaysia.

“Seeing coral forests and colourful fish was like entering another world,” she said. “Each dive, every click of my camera, felt like reclaiming my life”. Publishing her work under the name Ipah Uid Lynn – a blend of childhood nicknames and “Uid”, the name of her first diving centre – she has since gained critical acclaim.

Her underwater photography transcends mere artistry; it serves as a powerful call to action for marine conservation.

Malaysian underwater photographer Nurul Azlifah Mohd Ismail, known as Ipah Uid Lynn. Photo: Ipah Uid Lynn

“Coral bleaching, pollution … It’s heartbreaking to see. But my camera is my voice for the ocean,” she said. “I want people to see these images, to care, and to act.”