THE AVERAGE MALAYSIAN EATS NINE KILOGRAMMES OF DURIAN A YEAR

KUALA LUMPUR, July 23 (Bernama) -- The average Malaysian eats nine
kilogrammes of durian fruits a year, according to Fama director-general, Ahmad Ishak.

He said 300,000 tonnes of durian were being produced in the country each year, with 230,000 tonnes sold locally.

He said the balance of 70,000 tonnes were exported overseas including to China which opened its market for durians from Malaysia in May.

"Fama plans a frozen durian project with 40 tonnes of durian to be exported to China each week starting from the end of July to the end of the season," he told reporters after opening the 2011 Durian Festival at Kuala Lumpur Tower, here, Friday.

Kuala Lumpur Tower with the cooperation of Fama (Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority) is organising the festival from July 21 to 24.

It will be followed by another durian festival at Telecom Museum on July 25 to 27.

Kuala Lumpur Tower chief executive officer Zuraidah Mohd Said said the company hoped the durian festivals would generate more interest among Malaysians to give priority to local fruits and agricultural products.

She said other than promoting local fruits, the durian festivals were also Kuala Lumpur Tower's contribution in support of the Kuala Lumpur Festival held throughout July.

"Visitors can treat themselves to a variety of local fruits at the 'Fete Yourself' promotion at RM20 (US$6.73) for adults and RM12 (US$4) for children during the festivals," she said.
-- BERNAMA