Colourful floats at Putrajaya's annual night floral parade

THE annual floral parade held in Malaysia last Saturday night was a huge success with more than 3,000 visitors enjoying the colourful floats on Putrajaya Lake.

The float parade was held in conjunction with the Floria Putrajaya 2012, Malaysia's premier outdoor garden and flower showcase, which displays some of the best local and international landscape and horticulture industry.

The grand celebration was officially launched by Her Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Raja Permaisuri Agong Hajah Hamimah, spouse of His Majesty Seri Paduka Baginda Yang Di-Pertuan Agong, Almu'tasimu Billahi Muhibuddin Tuanku Abdul Halim Mu'adzam Shah Ibni Al-Marhum Sultan Badlishah.

Also in attendance was Malaysia Tourism Minister Dato' Sri Dr Ng Yen Yen.

The theme of this year's annual floral festival was 'Bougainvillea - Enduring Beauty', showcasing collections of bougainvillea in full bloom with outdoor and indoor theme garden.

Fifteen boats took part in the 'Magic of the Night' parade, which was organised by Ministry of Tourism, in conjuction with the annual floral festival.

Tourism Malaysia along with 13 boats from the state governments - Johor, Melaka, Negri Sembilan, Pahang, Perak, Perlis, Sabah, Sarawak and Terengganu joined in the parade together with Putrajaya Corporation, Langkawai Development Authority and foreign entries from Kenya and China competed in the parade.

The floral-designed boats are vying for awards in four categories - Overall Best Boat, Most Creative Boat, Best Lighted Boat and Most Popular Boat.

The boats, which were lighted and decorated to represent popular icons and places of interest from their respective states, sailed along the Putrajaya Lake passing the royal camp that included Her Majesty as well as other foreign dignitaries and media.

The boats will remain on the Putrajaya Lake from June 30 to July 8.

Other activities lined up during the celebration are photography contest, fireworks display, musical and cultural group performances, concert, Cuti-Cuti 1Malaysia dance and the 1Malaysia Green as well as 1Malaysia Clean Campaign.

The winning boat will be announced on the last day of the floral parade through voting.

Earlier that day at a reception for media, Director General of Tourism Malaysia Dato' Mirza Moammad Taiyib stated his hopes and expectations that the floral night parade would be an 'eye-catching' event.

"Through the boats, you will see the diversity of our nature, cultures and traditions," stated Dato Mirza referring to the multicultural slogan of 1Malaysia.

The Brunei Times