On behalf of the Johor State Goverment, I thank you for your presence here this this morning to break records and witness history being made in the 13th edition of the Desaru-Pengerang International Long Distance & Sprint Triathlon 2008.

I would like to express my gratitute to all who are involved in successfully organizing this event in coorperation with the Ministry of Tourism Malaysia, the Johor State Goverment, the Johor Tourism Action Council and the Desaru Development Corporation.

The Ministry of Tourism Malaysia has listed this event as the one of the best sport tourism event in Malaysia and I am especially pleased that Desaru is recognized as a strategic and ideal location for hosting the International Triathlon in Malaysia. This proves that Johor is poised to be the one of the best organizers for the International Tourism Sport event.

I wish all sponsors, organizers and in particulars, the triathlets a very challengging and memorable time at Desaru this year and i look forward to welcoming you back here again next year.

Dato' Haji Abdul Ghani Bin Othman
Chief Minister of Johor

Welcome and congratulation. I am indeed proud and honoured to be part of the 2008 Desaru-Pengerang International Triathlon at the beach resort of Desaru.

To all the participants, officials and visitors to the 13th edition of the Desaru-Pengerang Long Distance and Sprint Triathlon let me say "Selamat Datang" or a warm welcome to our sunny shores.

Congratulation too to the Johor State Government, the Tourism Action Council and Desaru Development Corporation for the tremendous effort undertaken in hosting this world-class event.

Looking back, the Desaru-Pengerang Triathlon International Long Distance and Sprint Triathlon, has grown from strength to strength since it was first held in 1996. Over the years the standard of the competition has improved tremendously with some big names in the world of triathlon having taken part and the list of competitors have grown by leaps and bounds.

In fact the hosting of the event and it successful organisation has earned the recognition of the Tourism Ministry in 2006 with the classification of the Desaru-Pengerang International Long Distance and Sprint Triathlon as a Signature Event of the Ministry's calendar.

Dato' Sri Azalina Dato' Othman Said
Minister of Tourism Malaysia

It gives me great pleasure to welcome all participants and officials to the 13th edition of the Desaru-Pengerang Long Distance and Sprint Triathlon at the Desaru beach. For two days, that is August 16th and 17th 2008, the beach resort of Desaru will play host to some talented and top ranked professional triathletes competiting for the RM100,000 prize money on offer.

The Johor State Government is aware of the importance of sport tourism as a pulling factor in our bid to attract more visitors to our shores and the Desaru-Pengerang International Long Distance and Sprint Triathlon, which is now into it's 13 year, fits nicely into our plan. the wide ocean front; the sandy beaches and the flat terrain of Desaru makes a perfect venue for the sport of triathlon and I am sure all participants would find it challenging but yet exciting to be part of the race.

I hope you will have an enjoyable stay and if time permits do visit the other tourist areas in the state, which Johor has plenty to offer.

Hoo Seong Chang
Johor State Executive Councillor for Domestic Trade and Tourism

I am proud and also privileged to be part of the Desaru-Pengerang International Long Distance and Spirit Triathlon, an event that has captured the imagination and the interest of triathletes from all over the world. As we celebrate the 13th edition of the world class event may I extend a warm welcome to all participants, officials, volunteers and spectators to the beach resort of Desaru for two-day event which takes place on Aug 16th and 17th 2008.

Over the year some big names have come to our shores to participate on this event, which has earned itself the reputation of being one of the toughest triathlon in Malaysia. Its takes great determination and commitment, not to mention the fight against the elements to achieve glory in the grueling event. So good luck and may the best athlete triumph. But do not forget that Johor which lies on the southern part of Malaysian peninsular is state with so much to offer in term tourism product. So if time permits take a look around Johor and I am sure you will enjoy the traditional Johor hospitality.

Thank you.

Hj A.Jabar Bin Hj Md Tahir
General Manager Johor Tourism Action Council

It is a great and privilege for me  to welcome all participants and officials to the Desaru-Pengerang Long Distance & Spirit Triathlon 2008, held on 16th and 17th August 2008 this year.

I hope this signification event will be instrument in fostering sportsmanship and goodwill amongst triathletes, apart from helping them attain their personal aspirations and goals.

Our main aim in organizing this sporting event, besides promoting the many tourism products available in Johor is to build international friendship and cultivate world peace through sports.

This gathering of top triathletes from various countries augurs well for the development of sports and Desaru Resort is proud to be associated with this event which has grown in leaps and bounds as evidenced by the increasing number of foreign and local entries over the years.

Thank you.

Dato’ Haji Esa Bin Haji Mohamed
Executive Director of Desaru Development Corporation