PRESS RELEASE

Embargo : 8 June 2008

PASSAGE TO THE EAST YACHT RALLY OFFICIALLY STARTS FROM JOHOR

Sebana Cove Marina, Johor - Sail Malaysia has officially started the inaugural Passage to the East Yacht Rally in Sebana Cove Marina yesterday. The event was officiated in a rally dinner at the marinalast night.

The yacht rally is supported by Tourism Malaysia and is aimed at promoting marine tourism in thiscountry through organized stops from Johor to Sarawak. The east coast of Peninsular Malaysia and Sabah& Sarawak possess some of the finest sailing destinations in the world but are largely undiscovered by theinternational sailing community.

For the inaugural year, 13 cruising yachts have taken part. These boats come from various countriesaround the world - Australia, New Zealand, Netherlands, Germany, United Kingdom, United States and Norway.

The journey that starts from Sebana Cove will continue to Tioman Island, Kuantan and Kuala Terengganuin June before reaching Kuching in time for the World Rainforest Festival in July. The rally will end in Miri on 1 August where rally participants will be able to witness or even participate in the BorneoYachting Challenge. Earlier, some participants had regrouped in Tanjong City Marina, Penang andAdmiral Marina Port Dickson where they were invited to a dinner reception hosted by Penang Port Sdn. Bhd and the Admiral Marina & Leisure Club respectively.

The cruising yachts that join this rally represent a unique brand of travelers. Many will spend time in Malaysia for long periods, between 1 to 5 years, depending on their respective schedule. Along the journey, participants are treated to a host of activities showcasing Malaysian hospitality to welcome them.

The Sail Malaysia Passage to the East is organized by PassionAsia Sdn. Bhd. PassionAsia intends to extend this rally into Labuan and Sabah next year to create an event that will span the breadth of Malaysia, making it a truly Malaysian marine showcase. PassionAsia are also co-organizers of the Sail Indonesia/Sail Malaysia Passage to Langkawi Rally. This event which covers a journey from Darwin to Langkawi from July to December is now the largest sailing event in Asia.

For more information about the Sail Malaysia events, please contact Mr. Sazli Kamal Basha at 03-77276561, fax: 03- 7710 6019, email: sazli.kamalbasha@yahoo.com  or log on to www.sailmalaysia.net