Asia Dive News : Sipadan nominated for 7 wonders of nature
Pulau Sipadan, touted as one of the world's diving havens, is vying to be on the Internet list of seven wonders of nature in the world.
Sabah's famous island was one of the 261 nominees in the New7Wonders of Nature online campaign, aimed to celebrate the most extraordinary sites worldwide.
Other nominees include Ko Phi Phi Island, Maldives, the Grand Canyon, Mount Everest, Niagara Falls and the Great Barrier Reef.
Sabah Tourism, Environment and Culture Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun, who was surprised with the news, said the nomination was an honour for the country.
"Even though the island is in Sabah, this will be a major tourism boost for the country.
"I believe we were nominated by foreigners who went diving around the island and the fact indicates that they have high regard and admiration for our island," he said.
As it was mandatory for the nominees to have their own official supporting committee, Masidi said he had appointed state Tourism Board chairman Tengku Datuk Adlin Zainal Abidin to chair the panel.
"He will sort out all the issues required by the organiser to get things going.
"The committee needs to sit down and plan on the initiative to garner votes from the public," he added.
The online poll allows only one vote to be cast per email address during each of the voting phase until July 7.
A panel of experts chaired by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation former director-general Prof Federico Mayor will then reduce the list to 21 on July 21.
Source: New Straits Times |
