The Minister of Tourism, Y.B. Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, today officiated the media launch of the Malaysia Flora Fest 2007 - one of the 50 major events planned for Visit Malaysia Year 2007. This two weeklong festival from 20 January to 4 February 2007 will feature a colourful display of Malaysia's abundant flora during a photography exhibition, floral parade, floral bazaar and a flora craft workshop organized by Tourism Malaysia.

The Flora Fest 2007 begins with Florathon, a brisk 2km walk from Dataran Merdeka to the Kuala Lumpur Lake Gardens, on 20 January 2007. The fancy dress Florathon featuring participants in floralthemed outfits is aimed at encouraging an appreciation of flora and bringing families closer together.

The following day, on 21 January 2007, a Floral Hunt will be held in Putrajaya. This event will be fashioned along a Treasure Hunt with floral items among the prizes. The Hunt will begin and end in Putrajaya after going through the Klang Valley.

A photography exhibition with the winning entries of the Colours of Harmony competition will also complement the Flora Fest 2007. The prize photographs will be displayed at the Exhibition Hall Perbadanan Putrajaya from 21 January to 4 February 2007. This photography contest is currently underway and the results will be announced in a major newspaper.

A Floral Parade at Persiaran Perdana, Putrajaya, on 27 January is the highlight of the Fest. Floral decorated floats from Singapore, state governments, local authorities and organisations will compete for awards in six categories - Premier Trophy, Theme Trophy, Creative Trophy, Parade Trophy, Jury Award and International Participation Award. To add excitement to the event, the parade will be interspersed with school bands and street performers. After the parade, all the floats will be on public view from 27 January to 29 January at an airconditioned tent.

To add more festivity to the Floral Parade, a Floral Bazaar will be held at Persiaran Perdana from 27 January to 1 February 2007. Flower enthusiasts, floriculturists and hobbyists can feast their eyes, learn more about Malaysia's colourful and rare flora and purchase from a large selection of fresh, dried and artificial flowers.

Shopping complexes and hotels will be participating in a Floral Decoration Competition between 27 January and 4 February 2007. A panel of judges will select the best decorated shopping mall foyers and hotel lobbies.

A two-day workshop on flora craft that includes potpourri making, flower arrangement and the planting as well as care of plants will be held on 1 and 2 February 2007.

According to Y.B. Datuk Seri Tengku Adnan Tengku Mansor, "One of the objectives of the Flora Fest 2007 is to present the cornucopia of Malaysia's floral harvest for Malaysians and foreign visitors to appreciate. Besides presenting the beauty and splendour of Malaysia's heritage, the Fest is also aimed at boosting the demand for local flowers and to augment the initiatives taken by the agricultural sector to enhance the contribution of local flower farmers, a fledgling industry, towards Malaysia's export earnings."

The Malaysia Floral Parade, originally introduced in 1991, is the first of its kind in Southeast Asia. It was inspired by past successes at the Pasadena Tournament of Roses Parade, USA, where Malaysia's entries have won five prestigious awards since 1988. In 1993, the nation's entry won the most coveted prize, the Sweepstake Trophy at the 104 th tournament.

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia