PUTRAJAYA, 12 August 2008 - The evening skies over the federal government administrative capital of Putrajaya comes alive tonight with intermittent bursts of colourful fireworks, played to the accompaniment of dramatic music scores.

Making its second appearance this year, the Malaysia International Fireworks Competition 2008 (MIFC 2008) promises an even greater spectacle compared to last year, a truly monumental achievement considering that last year's event made the annals as one of the world's biggest international musical fireworks competition with an estimated 3.5 million visitors.

The MIFC 2008 will feature competitors from Malaysia, China, Canada and Spain vying for the Merdeka trophy while the Australian team of Howard & Sons Pyrotechnics, the winner of last year's competition will have the honours to present this year's Grand Finale on August 29, 2008 at 9.30pm.

Competition dates for MIFC 2008 are as follows:

12 August - team Malaysia presenting @ 9.30pm

16 August - team China presenting @ 9.30pm

20 August - team Canada presenting @ 9.30pm

24 August - team Spain presenting @ 9.30pm

As a fully homegrown product the event's objective, impact and role in promoting Malaysia as a destination of international entertainment is undeniable, as best described by Malaysia's Minister of Tourism, YB Dato' Sri Azalina Othman Said:

"MIFC 2008 provides an excellent platform for the public, both locals and tourists to experience a truly world-class event that's homegrown. By virtue of its scale and popularity, the event has shown that it is able to attract people of all age groups and ethnic backgrounds to a common arena to enjoy not just a dazzling competition, but more importantly, to enjoy each others' company in a spirit that's truly united. It is this very same spirit of unity that makes Malaysia truly special."

The Malaysia International Fireworks Competition 2008 is one of the component events in the Visit Malaysia Year campaign and designated as one of the top 50 national events in the country's Calendar of Events.

For more information, please log onto www.mifc.com.my or contact:

Secretariat, Visit Malaysia Year
Ministry of Tourism Malaysia
Level 22, Menara Dato' Onn
Putra World Trade Centre
45 Jalan Tun Ismail
50695 Kuala Lumpur
Malaysia
Tel: +6 03 2696 3300
Fax: +6 03 2691 1272

Prepared by SMASCOM INTEGRATED PR SDN BHD. For more information, please contact : T:+603-71189933 F:+603-71182222