BEYOND the stately halls and manicured grounds of Seri Mutiara, the official residence of the Penang Yang di-Pertua Negeri, a flourishing orchard quietly bears fruit.
The rambutan tree is a particular favourite. Carefully tended by the Governor himself, Tun Ramli Ngah Talib, it recently produced about 50kg of fruit.
A papaya tree Ramli planted also yielded some 20kg of fruit.
The fruits were distributed to the staff, continuing a simple practice of sharing produce from the grounds.
Seri Mutiara is home to various fruit trees including mangosteen, mango, jackfruit, ciku and sukun which bear fruit throughout the year. A durian tree is the latest addition.
For the staff at Seri Mutiara, the routine is simple; when the fruits ripen, they are harvested and shared.
Adding to the charm of the orchard is an unusual sight, a modified Perodua Kancil used as a utility vehicle.
Converted locally by GiatMara trainers, the vehicle is used by Ramli to move around the garden and orchard during inspections and maintenance.
Small and unpretentious, it is suited to navigating the green spaces within the residence.
Together, the orchard and the repurposed Kancil offer a glimpse of a different side of life at Seri Mutiara, where fruit trees are nurtured, harvests are shared and nature thrives.
