saudio

I may have to sell my camera.  That's all I have to say.  :-)

Anybody know if wakatobi is participating? 

I'm curious as well. 

John, I don't think it's a racial/nationality issue with guests.  I've seen bad divers from many countries in my visits to Sipadan and the guides just won't do anything for fear of offending clients, from any country.  They tend not to be confrontational as part of the culture, whether Malaysian or Flippino. 
Let's first be real and accept that underwater photography (and diving in general) does a lot of damage to coral. Especially in a high traffic zone like Sipadan.  Other high diver traffic places (like Komodo etc) all suffer from the same sort of damage.

Also, one has to note that the ban IS NOT in effect yet and there is no set date for enactment.  One of the suggested rule is the exclusion of professional photographers, that's going to go down well with many!

Part of the problem, though, is that the Malasian government seems to make decisions on these sorts of things rather precipitously.  I would not plan a trip there as long as the rule is under consideration, for fear of them enacting the rule at a time too late for me to change my plans.