Royal Floria targets one million visitors

Putrajaya Floria Sdn Bhd chief executive officer Haslinda Khalid (extreme right) explaining the concept of the flower arrangement to Khalid (third from right) and the entourage at the Royal Floria Putrajaya media preview.

DESPITE a 30% budget cut, the 10th Royal Floria Putrajaya promises a colourful day out for family and friends.

Federal Territories Minister Khalid Abdul Samad, who was present for a media preview, was pleased with what he saw.

“Taking into account the current economic situation, the ministry spent RM2mil while Putrajaya Corporation spent between RM1mil and RM1.5mil to make this event a success.

“The Royal Floria has built a name for itself. We are building on what was achieved in the previous years. If we don’t continue this legacy, we will lose out,” he said.

“It may not be profitable financially but the benefits in terms of image internationally and the tourism factor is great and cannot be quantified.

“It is a great opportunity for people to come to Putrajaya, to see a city built with organised planning.

“This event also supports local industries that deal with plants and flowers,” he said.

He also said they targeted more than one million visitors as the event coincided with the National Day celebration in Putrajaya.

This year will also see the second edition of Royal Floria International Dialogue, where professionals in the landscaping, flowers, horticulture, floriculture and other related field will exchange knowledge.

International participants include those from China, Germany, Indonesia, Japan, South Korea, the Philippines, Singapore, Taiwan and Vietnam.

Some of the new components this year are Wonder Garden, Miniature Garden, Entrance Statement, Designer Boutique Gardens, Fertigation Garden and Hipster Square.

The Orchid Exhibition returns with about 300 orchids at the International Floral Pavilion.

A passage through the gardens will also be created specially to reignite memories of previous Florias.

Among the prizes up for grabs this year are RM15,000 for Garden Prime Award, RM10,000 for Designer Boutique Garden Award, RM5,000 Gardens of Malaysia and RM5,000 for Royal Floria Putrajaya International Cup.

Royal Floria Putrajaya’s operating hours are from 9am to 10.30pm from Monday to Thursday, and 9am to noon from Friday to Sunday.

From Monday to Thursday, tickets for Malaysians are priced at RM12 for adults and RM6 for children, the disabled and senior citizens.

Tickets for non-Malaysians are RM24 for adults and RM12 for children, the disabled and senior citizens.

From Friday to Sunday, tickets for Malaysians are priced at RM15 for adults and RM8 for children, disabled and senior citizen. Tickets for fnon-Malaysians are RM30 for adults and RM16 for children, disabled and senior citizen.

There is a 20% discount for online purchase.

For details, visit www.floriaputrajaya.com.my

-thestar online.