Chinese envoy to promote

BENTONG: China’s new ambassador to Malaysia has promised to promote Bentong to his countrymen by encouraging them to visit the mountainous town for its Musang King and eco-tourism products.

Bai Tian, during his maiden visit here, said he was pleasantly surprised by the beautiful scenery and delectable local food.

“They truly live up to their reputation.

“I will encourage more Chinese tourists to savour the durian, check out homestays and indulge in the nature here,” he told the locals at a lunch gathering.

He was visiting Bentong yesterday on the invitation of Bentong MP Datuk Seri Liow Tiong Lai, who is also MCA president and Transport Minister.

Bai urged the locals to prepare for the influx of Chinese visitors and “welcome them with open arms”.

“If we work together, I believe Bentong will be even more vibrant,” he added.

The locals charmed Bai with everything durian the moment he set foot in Bentong. They treated him to durian-flavoured coffee and durian mocha (glutinous rice desserts).

Later, at a durian farm in Kampung Baru Sungai Penjuring, Bai exclaimed: “Once a durian is opened, good things will follow!”

The ambassador, who revealed he has been a durian fan for over 20 years, was elated at the chance of sampling the thorny delight under the shade of durian trees.

Bai arrived in Malaysia to take over from Dr Huang Huikang on Nov 28 last year.

As the 15th Chinese envoy to Malaysia, he said he aspired to push bilateral ties to a “higher, faster and stronger” point.

He also promised to work towards making exporting whole durians to China a reality.

Bai’s programme in Bentong included a visit to the Bentong Gallery and Bentong Chinese Assembly Hall to get a glimpse of the town’s history.

He also spent some time at the Chamang New Village.

Liow, in his speech at lunch, said Malaysia has begun to reap the benefits as one of the early supporters of China’s Belt and Road initiative.

He listed the RM55bil East Coast Rail Link, which will have a station in Bentong, Malaysia-China Kuantan Industrial Park and Kuantan port as among the infrastructure that would bring immense benefit to Malaysia.

“In the next five years, Malaysia’s transformation and development will be tremendous.

“We have to grab the opportunity to embark on friendly cooperation with China for mutual benefits,” he said.