BY Bru Direct,

Local divers can now look forward to a diving programme called "Promote and Clean Miri Diving Sites" to be held in Miri on April 20 in conjunction with the World Earth Day, which falls on April 22.

Themed "Miri Underwater Wonders of the World", it will be organised by the Sarawak government and private agencies in collaboration with Sarawak Shell, Petronas and non-governmental organisations (NGOs).

The organising committee said the programme is open to interested divers and diving buffs provided that they possess a diving licence registered with Padi or Nauwi.

The programme is an effort to promote Miri as a diving site. The objectives of the programme are to support the campaign of loving sea world, to celebrate World Earth Day and to promote diving as a new tourism product in Sarawak as well as to clean and clear away stranded fishing nets affecting coral reefs in the coastal waters of Miri-Sibuti.

The programme also aims to expose the uniqueness of diving sites in Miri-Sibuti. Miri has some 20 diving sites in coastal waters off Miri-Sibuti and numerous species of fauna and flora that are left undisturbed.

This has led to it being recognised as the first sea garden in Sarawak. These coastal waters are located about 20 minutes drive from the mouth of the Miri River.

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