International durian fest, new event in Bentong tourism calender

BENTONG: The 2017 International Durian Cultural Tourism Festival will be made a new annual event in the tourism calendar of Bentong following overwhelming response in its debut.
Bentong MP Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai said durians, especially the Musang King variety, had its own following, including foreign tourists who were willing to spend on their favourite fruit when it was in season.
"Durian is no longer just the king of fruits but its position has been elevated as an item for diplomacy between Malaysia and China. In fact, tourists from China are also visiting Bentong to enjoy the Musang King.
"Raub, which is renowned as a producer of Musang King and located next to this district, also facilitated us to promote the king of fruits," he said in a media conference after attending the festival here today.
Also present was Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Minister Datuk Ahmad Shabery Cheek.
Liow also recalled Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak's visit to China in May, where he had requested for 43 most delicious durians to be brought along as a personal gift to denote the 43 years of diplomatic relations between the two countries.
He said the two-day festival starting today was targeting the arrival of 50,000 visitors to bring economic benefits to local residents.
Liow, who is also Transport Minister and MCA president, said his ministry could assist to market the king of fruits, especially to China. — Bernama