KUALA LUMPUR, MALAYSIA: This year's Malaysia Flora Fest may no longer be a strictly Malaysian affair, as a foreign party has expressed interest in participating in the colourful extravaganza.

Tourism Ministry secretary-general Datuk Dr Victor Wee said the city of Suzhou in southern China has shown interest in the Floral Parade, a facet of the 2008 fest, to be held in Putrajaya on July 26.

He said the ministry had also invited Asean countries to join in the parade and is currently awaiting their answer.

"We presented the idea to the Asean ministers during the Asean Tourism Forum in Bangkok early this year.

"But so far, only China has shown interest. We are waiting for the finalisation now," he said yesterday.

Meanwhile, the ministry expects an even higher spectator turnout for the parade this year, compared with the 50,000 visitors who attended the event at Perdana Avenue in Putrajaya last year.

More than 15 floats adorned with over 70 per cent of fresh flowers will be the highlight of this year's festival, themed "Colours of Harmony".

Tourism Minister Datuk Seri Azalina Othman Said said the festival should also look for opportunities to promote local eco-tourism, including forest tourism.

"We should incorporate other parts of Malaysia instead of only promoting places which are rich with flowers. If possible, we will have a Flora and Forest Festival next year."

She said this year's florathon, or flora run, will be held in Malacca, instead of the usual Dataran Merdeka.

The 2008 fest, which began on March 1 and ends on Aug 3, offers activities such as a floral photography competition, floral workshop, floral design arrangement or decoration competition and floral float showcase and bazaar.