Malaysia has the potential to promote itself as Asia's hub for luxury marine leisure activities, Deputy Prime Minister Najib Tun Razak said Friday.

For years the rich and famous have opted to take their yachts to popular European destinations while Malaysia can serve as a viable alternative in Asia, Najib said.

Najib made the remarks at opening ceremony of the Langkawi International Boat Exhibition (Libex) 2006 at Telaga Harbour in Langkawi.

Malaysia should make more marketing efforts to present itself as a "perfect destination for luxury yachts, with its world-class marinas, boat clubs, diving spots, water sports facilities and luxury resorts", the deputy prime minister was quoted as saying by the Bernama news agency.

On Libex, Najib said it was a perfect launch pad to enhance public awareness on the potential of the marine industry in Malaysia, and to generate new interest among potential participants in this sector.

The four-day inaugural event brings over 50 companies from Australia, Thailand, Singapore and Malaysia, which will display their boating products and services.

Source: Xinhua