Please keep pomelos special to Perak

MANY a state in Malaysia has its own tourism product and charm. The same with Perak, the so-called “Blessed Land” according to the promotional brochures on Perak.  

Referring to the issue of pomelo growers in Tambun (The Star, July 19) I agree with Wong Weng Yen “Pomelo farming can draw the tourists” (The Star, July 20).  

It is indeed sad that the authorities want to destroy the pomelo orchards in this region. 

Tambun pomelo has long been associated with Perak and is a sort of “buah tangan” for visitors to Ipoh or Perak. 

And it is only in Perak that one can get good quality pomelos at an affordable price. 

It has long been noted that this fruit, jokingly called “Ipoh mali”, is what the Kiwi fruit is to New Zealand and the Shandong pear to China. The Tambun pomelo refers to Ipoh and Perak as it is grown in abundance in the Tambun region.  

What an advantage, and what a specialty when it comes to tourism!  

Talking about fruits, Perak is one state where particular districts are known for certain fruits. 

Bidor is famous for the guava, Tapah the petai, Menglembu the groundnuts, Hulu Perak the durians, and of course Tambun for the pomelo. 

A unique selling point for a tourism product that is not man-made.  

 

ZARI MAHMOOD, 

Petaling Jaya.