140 volunteer divers aim world record
Kota Kinabalu: About 140 divers are attempting to create a Guinness World Record for the longest underwater clean-up beginning Saturday and ending 168 hours later or one week from now at 14 dive sites surrounding the Tunku Abdul Rahman Marine Park here.
Organising the world record attempt is Astro Kasih under its Corporate Social Responsibility programme, Beautiful Malaysia that aims to create greater awareness on marine conservation as well as promote eco-tourism among Malaysians.
The official start was officiated at by Chief Minister Datuk Seri Musa Aman together with Tourism, Culture and Environment Minister Datuk Masidi Manjun at Gaya Island.
Also on hand were Senior Vice President of Broadcast and Operations, Astro, Rohaizad Mohamed and Vice President of Community Affairs, Astro, David Yap.
The divers aged 21-63 from Malaysia, France, Australia, New Zealand, United Kingdom, USA, Lithuania, Switzerland, Hong Kong and the Netherlands would be taking turns to dive for 168 consecutive hours (night and day) to collect rubbish underwater under the close supervision of the Guinness World Record officials.
Response to participate in the underwater clean-up had been overwhelming with over 700 entries received by Astro Kasih from both local and international volunteers.
They were from various professions such as cardiologists, marine biologists, architects, chemists, journalists, as well as officers from the Royal Malaysian Police, Malaysian Maritime Enforcement Agency, Fire and Rescue Department, together with the Hong Kong Police Force.
“It gives me great pleasure to see so many volunteer divers here today as a show of support, in preserving our environment, especially in marine conservation.
“We are pleased to collaborate with Astro once again on another Beautiful Malaysia campaign here in Sabah. I would like to congratulate Astro for their continuous CSR efforts here in Sabah and together, I am confident we can create further awareness on preserving a Beautiful Malaysia,” said Musa.
“We always welcome such initiative to preserve Sabah’s pristine environment and a successful attempt will also further boost Sabah’s image.
“To all the divers, I wish them all the best and hope they will be able to create the Guinness World Record,” said Musa when met later.
Meanwhile, Rohaizad said Astro was happy with the State Government, the Ministry of Tourism, together with the local and international diving community for their enthusiasm and unwavering support “in preserving our natural heritage and creating a Beautiful Malaysia that is home to our future generation.
“It also makes me proud to see our very own Astro employees take part in this attempt, and I would like to wish all the divers good luck,” he said.
One of the volunteer divers, Nor Hisham Mohd Nordin, who is the Vice President of Interactive TV, said the divers faced a little bit of challenge on the first day due to the murky water.
The divers are diving in groups of four but due to the low visibility they had to struggle to keep the group together while looking for garbage on the sea bed.
“But this will not deter our spirit to accomplish the mission,” he said when met after completing the one-hour dive with his group.
Source: Daily Express
