VOTE SIPADAN AS NATURE`S WONDER

KOTA KINABALU (Malaysia), Feb 19 (Bernama) -- East Malaysia state of Sabah
Chief Minister Musa Aman wants Malaysians to give their vote to an online
campaign at www.new7wonders.com/nature -- towards listing Sipadan Island as one
of the New 7 Wonders of Nature.

"Sipadan is a gem beneath the sea that is renowned among divers worldwide.
We should be proud of it and I therefore, urge everyone, including our quests
who have dove there to give their vote for the New 7 Wonders of Nature, he said
in a statement here WEdnesday.

He said Malaysians in Sabah should give their support to this online
campaign and create awareness, among others, to do the same "because for Sipadan
to be one of the 261 nominees, was already an honour".

Sipadan is one of the 261 nominees in the New 7 Wonders of Nature online
campaign alongside other natural attractions such as Ko Phi Phi in Thailand,
Grand Canyon and Niagara Falls in the United States and the Great Barrier Reef
in Australia.

"I am told that Sipadan was nominated by divers who have been there. I am
sure a number of foreign divers gave their nomination. If our quests can give
their support, we, Malaysians, should come out in full force," he said.

Musa also urged the relevant authorities to monitor and ensure that the
delicate marine ecosystem around Sipadan continued to be protected.
-- BERNAMA