WEBSITE FOR ORANG UTAN SANCTUARY DONATIONS LAUNCHED

BUKIT MERAH (Malaysia), Feb 23 (Bernama) -- The Bukit Merah Orang Utan
Island Foundation has launched a website to create awareness on the
rehabilitation and conservation efforts on the primate island sanctuary here.

The website, www.orangutanisland.org.my will facilitate the sponsorship and
donation drive to raise RM6.2 million (US$1=RM3.60)to enhance the facilities on
the island.

Natural Resources and Environment Ministry former secretary-general
Suboh Mohd Yassin, who launched the website at the Bukit Merah Laketown Resort
here yesterday, also unveiled the foundation's logo and charter.

The foundation needs funds, cooperation and support from all quarters in the
rehabilitation, research and breeding of orang utan on the island, said its
Board of Trustees member, Emeritus Prof Abdul Latiff Mohamad.

Launched in 2000, the sanctuary now has 23 orang utan.

Singer Dayang Nurfaizah was named the rehabilitation and environment
conservation ambassador of the foundation and Pulau Banding Foundation at the
function.

Surrounded by lush greenery and fronting one of Malaysia's largest 7,000
acres fresh water lake, the resort is only a 3 hours drive from Kuala Lumpur and
easily reached just off the Bukit Merah toll exit along the North-South
Expressway.



-- BERNAMA