MAHA 2022: Agro-tourism cluster features ‘pop-up book’ concept

The Agrotourism Cluster of the Malaysia Agriculture, Horticulture and Agro-tourism (MAHA) Exhibition 2022 here is showcasing a new ‘pop-up book’ design concept with three-dimensional (3D) pages.

Malaysian Agricultural Research and Development Institute (MARDI) director-general Datuk Dr Mohammad Zabawi Abdul Ghani said the concept was in line with the theme ‘Cerita Kita’ (Our Story) to promote the uniqueness of icons and products of agrotourism centres under government departments and agencies that have the potential for the global market.

“In this cluster, we are bringing five components such as Inap Desa, Kandang dan Sangkar, Keajaiban Hijau, Hentian Santap and ‘Ka-ching!!’ with a 3D background,” he said when met by Bernama.

Elaborating, he said the Inap Desa section offers educational and cultural activities by 14 agrotourism centres with the staycation concept under the Agriculture and Food Industries Ministry.

“We also have activities such as quizzes, batik drawing, DIY handicrafts and traditional games. At the same time, visitors can also see a demonstration of the emping (rice flakes) pounding process and flower grafting technique,” he said.

In addition, Mohammad Zabawi said visitors could also experience the interactive exhibition of the Malaysia Marine Park Diorama and pets in the ‘Kandang dan Sangkar’ section.

“It is like a petting zoo, where visitors can see animals such as rabbits, serama chickens, iguanas and guinea pigs. At the marine park diorama, they can see marine fish, coral reefs and belangkas (horseshoe crabs),” he said.

In the ‘Keajaiban Hijau’ section, MARDI showcases over 10 highquality agricultural products such as padi, local durians, hybrid coconuts, herb collection and plants with health benefits.

Meanwhile, he said the ‘KaChing!!’ section offers three programmes where agro-centre and homestay operators can obtain advisory services from MARDI and Tourism Malaysia.

“We have the Business Matching programme for entrepreneurs who want to develop their agro-tourism products or services, Networking programme for those who want to diversify their business activities and Tourism Package programme for product package development activities in collaboration with Tourism Malaysia,” he said.