Pineapple Fest catalyst for agro-tourism, says Ding

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SARIKEI: The Pineapple Fest is a catalyst for the development of agro-tourism here, said Sarikei Member of Parliament Ding Kuong Hiing.

He said the success of the signature event would prompt visitors to visit Sarikei even after the festival period.

“We have a lot of good things to show to the visitors during the Pineapple Fest, but the best showcase should be the various agricultural products which were not only of high quality but the prices are cheaper than elsewhere,” he said when closing this year’s festival on Sunday night.

“The cheap price of vegetables, fruits and other agricultural produce in Sarikei may not impress the locals but it certainly impresses outsiders who are used to paying more for those items in their respective towns.”

He said tourists would also be attracted by the low prices of local eateries.

Meanwhile, Sarikei Resident Michael Dawi Alli pointed out that the cost of living in Sarikei was the lowest compared to other towns in the state.

He said this year’s festival was a success both in organisation and the showcase of materials.

Michael gave special mention to Ding, who contributed RM40,000 towards the festival fund and State Legislative Assembly Speaker Datuk Amar Mohammad Asfia Awang Nassar who chipped in RM20,000.

“With their support, the Pineapple Fest, which is now held for the ninth time, has seen improvements from year to year. I believe in years to come, the festival would continue to remain as an important platform for promoting agro-tourism and agriculture in general,” he said.

Around 20 events including an agriculture exhibition, seminar, water sports and cultural activities were held during the six-day festival.