AMPANG JAYA, Aug 8 — More events showcasing local uniqueness should be organised to promote local products and attractions and stimulate the local economy.
Menteri Besar Dato’ Seri Amirudin Shari said that such events could showcase the strengths of particular areas to the public and attract more visitors.
"People want to see unique local content. Everyone is creating local content, and I hope we can have more of it next year, including at the local authority or community level.
"It does not necessarily have to be coffee, but we need to identify the strengths that exist in each area," he said after officiating Pesta Kopi Melawati 2.0 today.
Amirudin added that local events such as the festival could also highlight products and attractions that may be less familiar to the public.
He cited Taman Melawati as an example, saying that it is not merely a residential and workplace area, but also has various nearby natural attractions, including those within the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark.
"We need local events like this to showcase local products as well as the strengths of the area.
"People think of Taman Melawati as a place to work, but there are all kinds of interesting places not far from here, including those within the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark," Amirudin said.
Meanwhile, the Menteri Besar said the growing coffee-drinking culture, which has now become part of people's lifestyles, is also creating new opportunities and economic networks.
"In the past, people would say, 'jom ngeteh' (let us go for tea), but today, if we look across Malaysia, coffee is no longer simply a drink or something to keep us awake. It has become a lifestyle.
"This lifestyle takes many forms and creates new opportunities and economic networks. Now, we even have coffee festivals," he said.
Earlier, Pesta Kopi Melawati 2.0 targeted 5,000 visitors over its two-day run at Melawati Square, Taman Melawati, beginning today.
The programme, which runs until tomorrow, showcases the local coffee industry, stimulates the local economy by featuring entrepreneurs offering a range of products, and promotes the Gombak-Hulu Langat Geopark as a tourism and recreational destination.
