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 may  already 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.  

Ends