Dec 31, 2007

VISIT MALAYSIA YEAR 2007

Malaysia celebrates 50 years of independence in 2007. The
population of 26 million Malaysians will showcase to the world the nation's
success at building peace and harmony among a people of diverse races,
cultures and creeds.

To commemorate the golden jubilee, 2007 has been designated as
Visit Malaysia Year (VMY). The Malays, Chinese, Indians and other ethnic
communities in Malaysia welcome visitors from all over the world to
celebrate this important milestone in the nation's history.

There will be a lineup of spectacular and exciting events that reflects
the nation's unique array of cultures and traditions. The country will come
alive with colourful parades, carnivals and events that highlight Malaysia's
natural landscapes, rich culture and heritage, delicious cuisines, bustling
cities, scenic countryside, and more. The list of events includes a varied mix
of sports, culture, cuisine, shopping and sightseeing experiences.

Kicking off the year's celebrations is the Floral Festival with a parade
of gailydecorated floats and music bands in Malaysia's modern and
beautiful administrative capital, Putrajaya. Fashioned after the Pasadena
Tournament of Roses Parade, the Malaysian Flora Fest promises to be an
exotic and colourful affair of Asia's tropical blooms in January 2007.

Sporting events such as Le Tour de Langkawi will bring much heartthumping
action as international riders traverse spectacular and
treacherous terrain from Langkawi island in the north to Kuala Lumpur city.
Formula One drivers will turn up the heat at Sepang International Circuit as
the world's best F1 drivers pit their skills and machines against each other
at the Petronas Malaysia F1 Grand Prix. The Monsoon Cup brings together
some of the world's most skilful skippers as they race their yachts and
battle the monsoon winds off the east coast of Peninsular Malaysia.


Immerse yourself in religious festivals such as Thaipusam where
Hindu devotees, in a trancelike state, carry ornatelydecorated
religious frames through the city streets and up some 272 steps of the Batu Caves
temple. The Kuala Lumpur International Arts Festival and Citrawarna
(Colours of Malaysia) present Malaysia's diverse arts and cultural heritage
through colourful parades, dance and music performances, food festivals
and cultural exhibitions nationwide.

In keeping with Malaysia's image as a shopping haven, several
shopping carnivals have been planned. The Malaysia Mega Sale Shopping
Carnival and the Year End Sale are both prime times when branded and
quality products are offered at unbeatable discounts.


As 2007 marks Malaysia's 50 th year of independence, the national
day celebrations will be observed on a grand scale throughout Malaysia in
August. Exhibitions of Malaysia's history, fireworks display and openair
concerts are some of the events scheduled. In addition, parades will be
held at every major city, with the grandest one taking place in the federal
capital of Kuala Lumpur.

VMY 2007 is an open invitation to visit Malaysia and stay longer to
experience the sights, tastes and sounds of the country. Malaysia
welcomes the world to its shores with open arms for a truly Asian
experience in one destination.


For a unique bird's eye view of Kuala Lumpur, the Eye on Malaysia, a
giant ferris wheel, offers a breathtaking 360 degree panorama of Kuala
Lumpur. See up to 20 kilometres of Kuala Lumpur's spectacular skyline as
the ferris wheel revolves to a height of 60 metres.

Be awed by the discipline and precision displayed by armies from all
over the world as they congregate in Kuala Lumpur for the international
tattoo show in September. For three nights, military and police tattoo teams
will showcase precision marching and formation.

In December, foreign street performers will entertain visitors with
circus skills, musical talents, comic acts and juggling skills at the KL
International Buskers Festival.

The events in 2007 will keep everyone entertained and enthralled
throughout the year. Other existing cultural and festive events celebrated
yearly will be given a new dose of life to make them bigger, better and more
exciting.

For more information about VMY 2007, please direct queries to the
VMY Secretariat at tel: 0326937111, fax: 0326911272.

Issued by: Communications Division, Tourism Malaysia
Date: 10 November 2006

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