Local products, delicacies aplenty at Malaysia Fest 2019 in Bangkok

Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad (centre) holding a Plaited Art from the Borneo Rainforest book today while launched the inaugural Malaysia Fest 2019 that showcase best of Malaysia through food, products and cultural performance, today.-Bernama

BANGKOK: Prime Minister Tun Dr Mahathir Mohamad today launched the “first-of-its-kind” Malaysia Fest 2019 here, which features the very best of Malaysia’s rich multi-ethnic culture, traditions, products, food and tourist destinations.

The four-day event, which began Thursday at the Central World shopping complex, boasts more than 170 booths managed by companies and entrepreneurs from Malaysia, with each displaying their own unique items and services.

The cream of the crop of Malaysia’s rich culture, performances, food, travel, fashion, beauty, higher learning education opportunities, healthcare and homemade products are displayed to the Thai public as well as foreign visitors.

Held in conjunction with the 34th Asean Summit in Bangkok, visitors are spoilt for choice as a large array of products including frozen food, coffee, cereals, biscuits, confectionery, beauty products and handicrafts are being exhibited.

Agriculture and Agro-based Industry Ministry secretary-general Datuk Mohd Sallehhuddin Hassan said the “Malaysia Street Food Lover” section comprises 24 operators offering 68 types of popular menus from various parts of the country, including Sabah and Sarawak.

“This is an effort by the ministry to promote the country through food. Many often describe Thailand as a food haven and we are trying to see what the response is like when we come here to promote our delicacies.

“We all know the Thai street food festival has been a hit in Malaysia, with the festival held at 16 locations throughout the country last year. So we also now have the potential to enter the market in Thailand and this is an attempt by us to capture local interest,” he said, adding that the operators were strictly vetted by agencies under the ministry, including the Federal Agriculture Marketing Authority (Fama) and the Kemubu Agriculture Development Authority (Kada).

Sallehhuddin described the street food festival as an effort to help promote Malaysia’s all-time favourite delicacies to the outside world.

Dr Mahathir spent some time visiting the booths and mingling with the operators at the festival.

Also present were Foreign Minister Datuk Saifuddin Abdullah, International Trade and Industry Minister Datuk Ignatius Darrel Leiking and Malaysia-Thai Chamber of Commerce (MTCC) chairman Dr Hwee Khim Boo.

Besides displaying products and services, the other highlights of the event are Malaysian street food and live cooking with ready-to-eat meals.

The event also serves as a one-stop festival allowing the business community in Thailand to learn more about Malaysian products and tap opportunities to distribute the products here by expanding their network.

Visitors also have an opportunity to win return air tickets to Malaysia, free hotel stays and other prizes by participating in various activities, including lucky draws, games and competitions.

Malaysia Fest 2019 is organised by MTCC and Conceptual Events Worldwide Co Ltd.

It is endorsed by the Malaysian embassy in Bangkok, and supported by the International Trade and Industry Ministry, the Malaysia External Trade Development Corporation (Matrade), the Agriculture and Agro-Based Industry Ministry and the Malaysian Tourism Promotion Board.

-nst online.