MELAKA: The 6.3m tall durian replica in front of the Kota Melaka Heritage Gallery will be the latest tourist attraction in Banda Hilir.
Deputy Tourism, Arts and Culture Minister Datuk Seri Dr Santhara Kumar said the replica was one of the efforts by Tourism Malaysia to attract more visitors to Melaka and promote the 'king of fruits' to foreigners.
"However, the presence of the giant durian replica will not affect the heritage site, as it was made from fibre, and no piling works were done.
"We understand and are sensitive on this matter. The government gives assurance that the replica will only be installed there for a short period,” he told reporters after attending the Magical Melaka Food and Fruit Fest 2022 programme in Banda Hilir on Saturday (Aug 6).
Meanwhile, state Tourism, Heritage and Culture Committee chairman Datuk Muhammad Jailani Khamis said the installation of the giant durian replica was done according to rules set by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (Unesco).
The Magical Melaka Food and Fruit Fest 2022 offers 12 types of signature food and beverages in the state to visitors beginning yesterday (Aug 5) until 10pm today. - Bernama
