TAIPING:  Durian, The King of Fruits can be a potential tourism draw if it is aggressively promoted, according to Deputy Prime Minister Datuk Seri Najib Tun Razak, when he attended the "Jom Makan Durian" Festival at Bukit Gantang yesterday. 

He announced that the festival would be going on a national level next year and an increased budget will be allocated from the current budget of RM100.000 spent if the need arises.  Almost 30,000 durians were opened for over 10,000 visitors from all over Perak and other states to eat their hearts out.

The event also displayed many varieties of Durian food products like the Durian flavoured "Dodol"(a traditional glutinous sweet), Tempoyak (fermented durian paste), curries, pastries, and lots more.  Some of the proceeds from the sale of these food items sold will be donated to various and charities around Bukit Gantang area.

Perak Menteri Besar Datuk Seri Tajol Rosli suggested that a similar event could be held at the Sungai Perak rest area along the North South Highway, as there would be ample space for travelers to stop by and try the durians.

 The brainchild for The "Jom Makan Durian" Festival at Bukit Gantang is the state assemblyman Datuk Mat Isa Ismail, and this festival is in its 2nd successful year running.