Message to Australia: Buy more Malaysian fruits

Malaysia has urged Australia to import more of its fruits and agricultural produce.

Malaysia's Consul-General here, Datuk Dr Mohd Rameez Yahaya, said among the fruits that were allowed into Australia included frozen durians (whole fruit and pulp), chilled durian pulp and minimally-processed pineapples.

"But there are other Malaysian fruits that can be imported here, such as rambutans, artocarpus integer (cempedaks), harum manis mangoes and mangosteen.

"These are popular in Malaysia and they can be the same here. Malaysia also has an abundance of amazing tropical fruits that would delight Australians," Mohd Rameez said at a lunch meeting here today.

The lunch is organised by the Australia-Malaysia Business Council, Victoria and sponsored by accounting firm, Pitcher Partners.

Also present was Victorian State Agriculture and Food Security Minister Peter Walsh.

Mohd Rameez said the durian-eating event held here last November was a success with the attendence of about 1,200 people, including Australian and Malaysian politicians.

"We hope to repeat it this year when we will showcase other Malaysian fruits," he said.

He said he would seek the help of the Victorian State Government to hold an Agro Bazaar here -- an initiative of Putrajaya to promote Malaysian exotic fruits in various parts of the world.

The Consul-General invited Australians to take part in the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agrotourism International Show (MAHA) at Serdang from Nov 23 to Dec 2 this year.

"MAHA is the largest agricultural expo in Sout-East Asia and it will feature technology-centric demonstrations, exhibits and activities.

"It will be a great venue for Australian farmers to showcase their best produce, as well as to share and sell their farming technologies to Malaysian farmers," he said. -- Bernama