MELAKA: Chinese actress Fan Bingbing has not only sparked a durian craze in China but also ignited Indian tourists’ interest in the “king of fruits,” says an executive councillor.
Melaka’s rural development, agriculture and food security committee deputy chairman Low Chee Leong said he recently had the pleasure of hosting Dr Gaurav Ralhan (pic), chairman of the Swarna Samaroha Committee of Bhubaneswar, Odisha, who tried out durian cendol at a local outlet.
“Gaurav came to Malaysia as part of the team of performers in the epic ‘Odissi’ dance being organised in Ipoh, Kuala Lumpur, Klang and Johor Baru, and decided he wanted to try out the luscious and creamy durian.
“He told me that he read about Fan Bingbing’s durian diplomacy and decided to make a trip to Melaka accompanied by Mediway Medical Services chief operating officer Dr M. Ganeshwaran,” said the Kota Laksamana assemblyman yesterday.
Low also took Gaurav to the oldest functioning Hindu temple in Malaysia, the Poyyatha Vinayaga Moorthy Temple on Jalan Tukang Emas, as well as the Shree Ambaji Temple in Ujong Pasir, the only Gujarati-themed Hindu temple in the area.
Low said he also encouraged Gaurav, who is the founder and CEO of Health on Top in India, to consider expanding his healthcare initiatives to Melaka in collaboration with local providers like Mediway Medical Services.
“I have proposed to Dr Ganeshwaran to look into setting up affordable healthcare institutions here by working with India’s medical providers.
“Gaurav has pledged to look into my request and is keen to work with the Melaka government,” he added.
Low also thanked local media practitioners for their role in promoting the Visit Melaka Year 2024 campaign, which has received global attention.
He said Gaurav also met with Goh Hock Gin, chairman of the Malaysian Association of Tour and Travel Agents Melaka chapter, to discuss promoting medical tourism.
Goh said he would also explore other potential opportunities such as education and leisure travel between Odisha and Melaka.
“It was a productive meeting with Gaurav, and we will work on fleshing out the details we discussed,” he said.
