ID :
198418
Mon, 08/01/2011 - 08:53
Auther :
Shortlink :
https://oananews.org//node/198418
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FROM ORCHARDS TO KL TOWER, ITS DURIANS ALL THE WAY
KUALA LUMPUR, Aug 1 (Bernama) -- "It is time to return home as this is the season of fruits.” Such phone conversations are common nowadays in the current fruits' season, particularly of the durians.
During such seasons, the 'balik kampung' (back to the village) pilgrimage is a must, no matter whether the fruit orchard is owned by parents or relatives. Friends also tag along as they do not want to miss the opportunity of sampling the 'village durian'.
The ecstasy one feels while biting into the sweet and delicious yellow flesh of durian is something 'out of this world'. This culture of feasting on durians is now fast spreading to the city too.
DURIAN CARNIVAL
Durian carnivals are being held almost everywhere in the city and other major towns as durian afficionados come from various ethnic groups.
"I can eat at least two durians at one go," said Kisho Kumari, who prefers to sample the fruit in the company of friends.
The trend of 'durian-feasts' picking up among the corporate, tourism and hospitality sectors should be seen as a new chapter in fostering unity among the ethnic groups in the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is holding its annual durian-eating carnival.
"The atmosphere at the event is like a carnival. People from all walks of life come together to sample and savour the taste of durians," Fama Director-General Ahmad Ishak said.
ENTRY TO KL TOWER
The king of fruits has even made its way to some of the major landmarks and public buildings in the city such as the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower).
With the collaboration of Fama, the KL Tower recently held a durian fiesta in an effort to popularise the king of fruits among the tourists.
The location of the Tower right in the middle of the city’s Golden Triangle, appeals to foreign tourists. This is also among the best strategy to popularise the fruit among the foreigners, Ahmad said.
"We welcome any party, like the KL Tower, to come and join Fama in holding more such events. The durian carnival not only appeals to locals but foreign tourists as well. And once they (foreign tourists) taste our durian, they will act as ambassadors and promote the fruit when they return to their respective countries," he added.
BECOMING POPULAR
Eating durians is becoming more popular and the consumption of the fruit needs to be pushed to a higher level, Ahmad said.
According to one study, Malaysians consumed 230,000 tonnes of durians annually against its total production of 300,000 tonnes. This meant that the remaining 70,000 tonnes could be consumed or turned into supplementary products.
Ahmad said as part of its efforts, Fama also holds ‘eat local fruits’ campaign with the slogan: "Eat more local fruits, the correct and nutritious choice".
"This campaign has been held by the government since the 1970s. For this reason we have held various ‘eat local fruits’ campaigns, including the durian fiesta at Telekom Museum since 2009, taking durian to universities, schools and the likes," he added.
Ahmad noted that the corporate sector, including the KL Tower’s move to hold a durian carnival was part of their corporate social responsibility as well as an effort to promote the king of fruits among the public.
Earlier, durian was deemed as a 'village fruit', but the scenario is much different now as even the 5-star hotels are opening their doors to the fruit by holding durian feasts.
BOON FOR DURIAN FARMERS AND SMALLHOLDERS
Meanwhile, the four-day durian fiesta held at the KL Tower during July 21-24, would now be turned into an annual activity, according to its CEO Zuraidah Mohd Said.
By paying RM20 (US$6.80) per adult and RM12 (US$4.08) per child, visitors can savour various varieties of durian, including the 'Musang King' and 'D24'.
The four-day durian carnival moved on to Telekom Museum on July 25.
The durian carnival at KL Tower drew 5,000 durian lovers and the management plans to hold the event twice next year, in April and July.
"The durian carnival held in collaboration with Fama is a boon for durian orchard owners and smallholders," Zuraidah said.
During such seasons, the 'balik kampung' (back to the village) pilgrimage is a must, no matter whether the fruit orchard is owned by parents or relatives. Friends also tag along as they do not want to miss the opportunity of sampling the 'village durian'.
The ecstasy one feels while biting into the sweet and delicious yellow flesh of durian is something 'out of this world'. This culture of feasting on durians is now fast spreading to the city too.
DURIAN CARNIVAL
Durian carnivals are being held almost everywhere in the city and other major towns as durian afficionados come from various ethnic groups.
"I can eat at least two durians at one go," said Kisho Kumari, who prefers to sample the fruit in the company of friends.
The trend of 'durian-feasts' picking up among the corporate, tourism and hospitality sectors should be seen as a new chapter in fostering unity among the ethnic groups in the country.
Meanwhile, the Federal Agricultural Marketing Authority (Fama) is holding its annual durian-eating carnival.
"The atmosphere at the event is like a carnival. People from all walks of life come together to sample and savour the taste of durians," Fama Director-General Ahmad Ishak said.
ENTRY TO KL TOWER
The king of fruits has even made its way to some of the major landmarks and public buildings in the city such as the Kuala Lumpur Tower (KL Tower).
With the collaboration of Fama, the KL Tower recently held a durian fiesta in an effort to popularise the king of fruits among the tourists.
The location of the Tower right in the middle of the city’s Golden Triangle, appeals to foreign tourists. This is also among the best strategy to popularise the fruit among the foreigners, Ahmad said.
"We welcome any party, like the KL Tower, to come and join Fama in holding more such events. The durian carnival not only appeals to locals but foreign tourists as well. And once they (foreign tourists) taste our durian, they will act as ambassadors and promote the fruit when they return to their respective countries," he added.
BECOMING POPULAR
Eating durians is becoming more popular and the consumption of the fruit needs to be pushed to a higher level, Ahmad said.
According to one study, Malaysians consumed 230,000 tonnes of durians annually against its total production of 300,000 tonnes. This meant that the remaining 70,000 tonnes could be consumed or turned into supplementary products.
Ahmad said as part of its efforts, Fama also holds ‘eat local fruits’ campaign with the slogan: "Eat more local fruits, the correct and nutritious choice".
"This campaign has been held by the government since the 1970s. For this reason we have held various ‘eat local fruits’ campaigns, including the durian fiesta at Telekom Museum since 2009, taking durian to universities, schools and the likes," he added.
Ahmad noted that the corporate sector, including the KL Tower’s move to hold a durian carnival was part of their corporate social responsibility as well as an effort to promote the king of fruits among the public.
Earlier, durian was deemed as a 'village fruit', but the scenario is much different now as even the 5-star hotels are opening their doors to the fruit by holding durian feasts.
BOON FOR DURIAN FARMERS AND SMALLHOLDERS
Meanwhile, the four-day durian fiesta held at the KL Tower during July 21-24, would now be turned into an annual activity, according to its CEO Zuraidah Mohd Said.
By paying RM20 (US$6.80) per adult and RM12 (US$4.08) per child, visitors can savour various varieties of durian, including the 'Musang King' and 'D24'.
The four-day durian carnival moved on to Telekom Museum on July 25.
The durian carnival at KL Tower drew 5,000 durian lovers and the management plans to hold the event twice next year, in April and July.
"The durian carnival held in collaboration with Fama is a boon for durian orchard owners and smallholders," Zuraidah said.
