TUARAN: The Sail Malaysia Passage to the East Yacht Rally 2024 programme has
converged in Tuaran for the first time since its inception in 2005 and this augured well in
boosting the district’s tourism, said Chief Minister Datuk Seri Panglima Haji Hajiji Haji
Noor.
“We are delighted that this programme has made its way back to Sabah again and it is
good to hear that a rally fleet of more than 20 yachts have made it to Tuaran since
Wednesday.
“Although this is the first time that you have converged in Tuaran, I have been told that
Sail Malaysia have been coming to Sabah since 2009 and with that over 400 yachts
from all over the world have visited,” he said.
“It is indeed interesting to note that since its inception in 2005, the Sail Malaysia initiative
under the auspices of the Cruise Marine Tourism Association of Malaysia (Persatuan
Pelancongan Perkapalan dan Marin Malaysia) has attracted over 1,400 yachts from 45
countries to Malaysia.
“This has raked in economic receipts of over half a billion Ringgit Malaysia. Well done
again to the Cruise Marine Tourism Association of Malaysia for promoting Malaysia’s
nautical tourism and keeping the sailing adventure alive – true to your tagline of Discover
Malaysia by Sea!,” he said in welcoming participants of the Sail Malaysia Passage to
the East Yacht Rally 2024 at the Anjung Gayang Jetty, Jalan Sulaman here tonight.
His speech was delivered by the Executive Chairman of Innoprise Corporation Sdn Bhd,
Datuk Jasnih Daya.
Hajiji was also glad to note that the participants included those from Australia, New
Zealand, USA, United Kingdom, Portugal, Hong Kong, South Africa, Indonesia,
Thailand, Canada and other states in Malaysia.
“In the weeks ahead as you travel to Kudat, in the north, Sandakan, Lahad Datu,
Semporna, and Tawau on the east coast of Sabah, I hope you will also enjoy attractions
at the Turtle Islands, Kinabatangan River and Sipadan.
“Take in the sights and sounds of these places and more. Although many of you mayalready be familiar with Sabah, there is much you can see and experience, no less by sea,” he said.
The Chief Minister also shared that Sabah, the second largest state in Malaysia, has
everything to offer from ocean deep to mountain high.
“Our ancient rainforest is over 130 million years old and ranks among the world’s oldest.
National Geographic celebrates our biodiversity. Our iconic Mount Kinabalu stands tall
not just as a testament to Sabah’s natural beauty but as a UNESCO World Heritage Site
that is admired globally.
“Sabah is also now the proud owner of the UNESCO Triple Crown site, the third in the
world to have such distinction and today, Sabah ranks officially as a Global Geo-tourism
destination. With nearly 400 of Malaysia’s 878 islands found in the state, Sabah is known
to millions of visitors, as a beach destination with breathtaking sunset views,” he said.
Equally captivating, he said is Sabah’s cultural heritage.
“We are a blend of more than 30 distinct ethnic groups with 217 sub-ethnic groups, each
with its traditions and languages. Yet, amid this diverse cultural landscape, unity thrives,
making our nearly 3.5 million-strong population harmoniously integrated,” he said.
The Chief Minister congratulated Sail Malaysia, Tourism Malaysia, Sabah Parks, Sabah
Tourism, ESSCOM and all relevant authorities, agencies, private organisations and
individuals for coming together to make the event successful.-pr/BNN
